With modern advancements in dentistry, dental fillings are made from the highest-quality materials and placed using the best techniques. However, despite these advancements, fillings still eventually require replacement.
If your child has gotten a dental filling before, it is important to keep track of when they got it and know the signs to look out for so you can take them to visit a dentist specializing in pediatric dentistry in Noblesville when they require a replacement.
What is the Lifespan of Dental Fillings?
The longevity of a dental filling depends on the type of material used.
Silver fillings are incredibly durable and often last for longer than a decade. They are often used on molars and are highly resistant to wear and tear. When you take your child to Bumble Kids Pediatric Dentistry for a dental checkup, their dentist will be able to tell you if their silver filling requires replacing by gently probing them with a special tool known as a dental explorer.
White composite fillings are now the more popular choice for dental fillings, and they tend to last about seven to ten years in healthy patients. If your child has gotten a dental filling, they likely have a white composite filling. This is especially true if your child was ever in need of emergency dental services. In most cases, a dentist will use emergency composite fillings in Westfield to repair a damaged tooth in a pinch.
Signs a Filling Needs To Be Replaced
If your child has silver fillings, they will notice some telltale signs that they are failing when it comes time. You may notice your child’s teeth begin to darken as a result of the metal leaking out of the filling. They may also feel sore in their mouth or notice that their filling feels loose when eating. All of these are signs of a failing silver amalgam filling.
If your child has white composite fillings, which is most likely the case with pediatric dentistry in Westfield, they will begin to feel pain when they fail. Sudden sensitivity around a tooth in response to pressure or hot or cold temperatures can be a sign of a broken-down filling. You may also notice dark spots or cracks in your child’s teeth, all of which indicate that you need to schedule an appointment with your child’s dentist.
Visit Bumble Kids Pediatric Dentistry
If you or your child notice any of the signs or symptoms mentioned above, you will need to schedule a visit with our dentist at Bumble Kids Pediatric Dentistry as soon as possible to determine if your child’s fillings need to be replaced.
After a comprehensive oral examination, our dentist may recommend further testing, or they may determine that the fillings need to be replaced or repaired. When it comes to pediatric dentistry near you, our dedicated specialist will be able to advise you on the best course of action to preserve your child’s stunning and healthy smile for years to come.
If you notice that your child is exhibiting signs of a failed dental filling, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team of dental professionals to book an appointment. We are happy to assist you and your child with compassionate and high-quality dental care.