Going to see your dentist every six months for a dental checkup is always a good idea, even if you don’t have any oral health problems that you’re aware of. Your dentist will check your teeth and mouth to spot any signs of trouble early on. For example, there are many kinds of gum diseases that can be cured just by practicing basic oral hygiene if addressed early enough.
On the other hand, if you’re suffering from tooth decay, the only possible cure is by having dental restorations or fillings done. Modern dental fillings can last several years, but they will eventually need to be replaced.
One of the main reasons why dental fillings need regular replacement is that they’re always under attack by food and drink. As you use your teeth, your dental restorations can develop tiny chips and cracks that can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria. The seal between the tooth and filling can also get worn out, leading to food particles and bacteria entering the gab. This can make the problem of tooth decay even worse.
While brushing, flossing and using mouthwash can help maintain overall oral hygiene, they won’t be able to completely get rid of bacteria in your mouth. If bacteria grows around the edge of your dental fillings or under it, the tooth can get even more decayed. Should the issue not be addressed quickly enough, root canal treatment or complete tooth extraction may be your only available choices.
There are various types of dental fillings available today, which allows you to maintain a pleasant smile and healthy teeth. Just how well a filling will perform depends on a variety of factors. These include the materials that the filling was made from, where it’s located in your mouth and how much load is applied to it while chewing. Therefore, it’s not easy to determine how long a filling will last before it needs to be replaced.
More modern filling materials, as well as advances in dentistry equipment and techniques has resulted in fillings that last longer than ever before. If you need a new filling or to have an old one completely replaced, your dentist will explain the various options you have, as well as their unique advantages and disadvantages. However, no matter how modern or advanced their materials are, all fillings will need to have maintenance or replacement work done on them at some point in the future.
Regular dental visits are recommended for everyone, but are especially important if you have fillings. By visiting Sinada Houston Dental at least twice a year, you’ll be able to get your fillings checked to see if there’s anything wrong with them. Your dentist will be able to see whether the fillings have worn out to the point where replacement is necessary. With timely dental visits, any problems will be detected early on, which can save you from having to undergo more complex and expensive dental treatments that are often necessary if tooth decay is allowed to progress too far.
If you experience toothaches, see signs of tooth decay or have any other concerns about your dental health, you should book an appointment with your dentist right away. Don’t wait until your next scheduled checkup, as the problem may become a lot harder to treat by then.