There is not perfect substitute for a natural, healthy tooth. A tooth that has decay will need a filling or other restoration depending on the extent and location of the decay. A dental filling may last many years before it needs to be replaced. However, fillings are subjected to repeated stress from the pressures of chewing. Clenching or grinding teeth also puts tremendous force on fillings and tooth enamel. All of these can cause a filling to wear away, chip or crack.

A filling may eventually wear around the edges. Or, the tooth may chip or break away from the margins of the filling. Either of these conditions can leave a small space between the tooth and the filing. This small space can allow bacteria and tiny food particles to collect and create the perfect environment for tooth decay. This mix of bacteria and food debris cannot be removed with normal oral hygiene. Often, the damage is not noticed because there are no symptoms until the decay reaches the pulp (nerve) of the tooth.

Regular dental examinations are important because problems with existing fillings can generally be detected in the early stages. During your checkup, your dentist at the Dental Center can determine whether any existing fillings are damaged or require replacement. Don't wait until the tooth hurts, this can complicate treatment and make it more costly.

If extensive tooth decay has developed around an existing filling, if the tooth already has a large amount of filling material or if a sizable portion of tooth has fractured away, only a small amount of sound tooth structure may be left. In these situations your dentist may recommend restoring the tooth with a crown instead of trying to replace or add to the present filling. A crown replaces lost tooth structure and makes the tooth strong and serviceable again.

Keep regular dental visits with your dentist at the Dental Center and be sure to have your teeth professionally cleaned by one of the Dental Center's registered dental hygienists on a regular basis. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between the teeth once a day with floss or another inter-dental cleaner. With proper attention you should keep your teeth a lifetime.