Dental fillings last a long time with proper oral hygiene—but they don’t last forever. If you’re feeling any pain or sensitivity on your filled tooth, you might be due for a restoration. Here are seven telltale signs that you need to book an appointment with your local dentist.
You’re Feeling Tooth Sensitivity Again
I’ve been there—ignoring that slight pain in my tooth until it got worse. After getting a filling, everything felt fine again. But over time, especially when I wasn’t keeping up with proper dental care, I started to notice sensitivity and pain around the filling. When that happens, don’t make the same mistake of waiting too late to schedule a checkup with your local dentist.
You Spot a Crack or Chip in the Filling
Just like your regular enamel, a filling also cracks and chips away as you eat. Remember, even if you have a filling, you can still get cavities. Don’t let bacteria get back into your teeth. Even if there’s no pain now an exposed tooth is still at risk
Food Keeps Getting Stuck in the Same Spot
Food shouldn’t have a tourist destination they return to every time you eat—that just means there’s a gap that’s getting deeper. So if you notice food getting stuck at the same spot, there’s probably a cavity forming on your filling.
The Tooth Feels Rough or Uneven
Teeth have natural grooves—at btyDENTAL we make sure that every filling we do feels like the real deal. But if your filling feels rough or uneven, there might be underlying issues. If left unchecked, your bite might shift, causing issues to the surrounding teeth.
You Notice Dark Spots Around the Filling
Tooth-colored or composite fillings stain over time, especially if you like getting that early morning, mid day, and late afternoon iced coffee. However, stains and decay are two separate things. Instead of guessing if you have stains or decay, schedule an appointment. The earlier issues are spotted, the less expensive your next dental visit will be.
You’ve Lost the Filling Completely
The worst-case scenario is losing your filling completely. There are temporary fixes you can try like a temporary filling kit or dental wax. However, the best solution is to get an appointment ASAP. At btyDENTAL we accept dental emergencies and walk-ins so feel free to come through!
It’s Been Years Since It Was Placed
Different types of filling materials last for different lengths of time. Based on my experience—and depending on how well I take care of my teeth—here’s a quick breakdown of how long fillings usually hold up with good, average, or poor oral hygiene.
| Filling Material | Good Oral Hygiene | Mediocre Care | Poor Oral Hygiene |
| Amalgam (Silver) | 10–15 years | 7–10 years | 5–7 years |
| Composite (Tooth-Colored) | 7–10 years | 5–7 years | 3–5 years |
| Gold | 15–30 years | 10–15 years | 7–10 years |
| Ceramic | 10–20 years | 7–10 years | 5–7 years |
| Glass Ionomer | 5–7 years | 3–5 years | 2–3 years |
If it’s been a while since you had a filling placed, especially if you’re approaching the lower end of these ranges, it’s a good idea to schedule a dental checkup. Your dentist can examine the filling, check for any hidden issues, and make sure everything’s still doing its job.
When to Get a Filling Vs. Dental Crown
Not sure whether you need a filling or a crown? Both are used to restore damaged teeth, but they serve different purposes depending on how bad the damage is. Here’s how to tell which one might be right for your situation:
- The cavity or damage is small to moderate
- Most of your natural tooth is still intact
- You’re not experiencing major sensitivity or pain
- The tooth hasn’t had a root canal
- It’s a new problem or a small area that just needs patching up
Schedule A Dental Filling Replacement Today!
If you experience any of the seven signs discussed above or any sign of pain or slight discomfort, visit your dentist. Don’t wait until the last minute.
Looking for a place in Washington that does dental filling replacements? btyDENTAL has you covered! Schedule a visit today at any of our offices or walk-in!
