When teeth become damaged by decay or injury, restorative dentistry provides a solution other than removing the tooth outright. While dental crowns and fillings are designed to last for a very long time, they aren’t typically capable of lasting for life. Has your crown started to feel loose or not quite as secure as it used to be? Got a filling that recently fell out? Now is the time to get in touch with Dr. Balington and his team at Denton Dental Center. Read on to learn how to know when it’s time to replace your old filling or crown and the benefits of doing so today!
Signs Your Filling or Crown Needs Replacement
- Your filling or crown feels loose
- Increased sensitivity in the tooth with the filling, especially when exposed to hot or cold stimuli
- Pain or swelling near the restored tooth
- Receding gum line near the restored tooth
- You’ve had the crown or filling for over 15 years
Keep in mind that in some cases, fillings and crowns could need replacement, even if you don’t have any symptoms. That’s why routine exams are so crucial to both the long-term health of your natural teeth and your restorations.
Benefits of Replacing Your Restoration
- Old or damaged restorations can leave vulnerable areas of the natural tooth underneath exposed to bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. By replacing them, you protect the long-term health of your tooth.
- Furthermore, replacing a dental filling now reduces the chances you’ll need a dental crown later to keep the tooth protected. Likewise, replacing a crown can help you avoid the need for root canal therapy later, a treatment that requires a new crown anyway.
- In many cases, symptoms you are experiencing can be alleviated when you address their root cause. If this happens to be an old filling or crown, you can manage these concerns and therefore improve your overall quality of life.
Making Your New Restorations Last
With a few maintenance tips in mind, you can make your replacement filling or crown last as long as possible. Dr. Balington recommends the following:
- Brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and floss daily, particularly around the crown to prevent infection in the gums surrounding it.
- Never use your teeth as a tool.
- If you have a habit of teeth grinding or clenching, talk to us about getting a custom mouthguard to prevent damage to your restoration.
- Visit us every six months so we can make sure your restoration is holding up properly.
While we are in-network with many major dental insurance PPO plans, we understand if patients are concerned about paying for their dental care. Denton Dental Center is happy to offer third-party financing to make your next filling or crown more affordable. Simply speak with our front desk and we’ll help you get set up. In the meantime, we encourage you to give us a call today and protect your smile and oral health!