Time is an enemy to dental work, and there are a lot of factors that affect the lifespan of dental restorations including the size, location, and type.
We place a lot of demand on dental restorations, and they will wear down over time. In the case of a filling, for example, stress over a period of many years can minimize its effectiveness. This can result in what we call secondary decay around the filling. Additional restoration weakens the original filling, and at some point, we may need to discuss the possibility of placing a crown to protect the tooth.
Other factors that can affect the durability of your restorations include injuries like those suffered during sports and dental problems like chronic teeth grinding (bruxism). Both contribute to the wear or damage of a dental filling and reduce its lifespan, making replacement necessary.
We recommend all of our patients come in twice a year for a dental cleaning and exam. At these appointments, we check all the teeth and can often catch problems when they are small and easier to treat. If we detect other problems like bruxism, we can create a customized night guard that protects your teeth while you sleep.
If it’s time for your routine checkup or you have concerns about a particular restoration, please call Advanced Dental Care!