Find out what to do when your dental filling becomes damaged.

If you’ve ever had a cavity, then your Lansing dentist Dr. Holly Scott-Hetchler likely removed the decay and painlessly filled your tooth to preserve your smile. While dental fillings are made from durable composite resin, sometimes fillings can become damaged. Find out what you should do if your filling cracks.

When will my dental filling need to be replaced?

While dental fillings are durable and designed to last for years, at some point they will need to be replaced. Teeth grinding, jaw clenching and wear and tear from eating can cause a dental filling to crack or fail, shortening its lifespan.

If your filling has cracked or become damaged, this allows bacteria to enter the tooth and potentially cause further damage. While these bacteria can be removed by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, they can be difficult to remove with your regular toothbrush. To prevent your tooth from developing more decay, you’ll need to see your Lansing dentist for treatment.

How do you know that your filling has begun to fail?

Sometimes you don’t, which is why keeping up with regular dental examinations are vitally important to detecting and treating problems with your dental fillings. If you see your Lansing dentist every six months for routine cleanings, we will typically be able to detect issues as soon as possible before other complications have set in. Even if you can’t tell that your filling is worn or cracked, we will be able to check the filling's integrity by using a special instrument. X-rays can also help to confirm whether a dental filling is still sound or not.

If your Lansing dentist finds that your dental filling has failed or decay on your X-ray, then the dental filling needs to be replaced. Do not put off getting a new filling! The longer you wait, the more likely it is that the crack will worsen or tooth pain will set in. Early detection is key!

Dealing with a dental problem that needs immediate repairs? Your Lansing dentist is at your service. Call Dr. Holly Scott-Hetchler's office right away, and let us care for your damaged filling.