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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Replacement of Old or Stained Fillings in Boston
Dark, worn or leaking fillings may be worth replacing. Boston patients can have old fillings checked in Port Dover and learn when replacing them helps.
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Caring for Boston, Ontario patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for Boston patientsRefreshing older dental work
Not every old filling needs replacing, but some clearly do.
Fillings do not last forever. Over the years they can wear down, crack, stain or develop gaps at the edges where decay can sneak in. Older silver-coloured amalgam fillings may also darken the surrounding tooth. Some people want them replaced for appearance, while others need replacement because the filling is failing. Knowing which situation applies helps you decide.
If you are in Boston and have fillings that bother you, whether because of their look or how they feel, book an assessment at our Port Dover office. The dentist will examine each one and explain whether replacement is recommended now, optional or best left alone.
Assessing fillings
The dentist looks at both health and appearance.
Functional problems
Cracks in the filling or tooth, rough or broken edges, gaps where floss catches, new decay around the margins and sensitivity when biting can all indicate a filling is failing. X-rays help reveal decay hidden underneath. When a filling is no longer sealing the tooth, replacement is usually recommended to prevent further damage to the tooth beneath.
Cosmetic concerns
Some fillings are structurally sound but have become stained or darkened, or are simply visible when you smile or laugh. Replacing these is often a cosmetic decision. The dentist will explain whether the filling is still doing its job, so you can weigh appearance against keeping healthy, functioning work in place. Both choices can be perfectly reasonable.
Weighing the decision
Every replacement removes a little more tooth.
Benefits of replacement
Replacing a failing filling can stop decay, reduce sensitivity and strengthen a weakened tooth. Choosing a tooth-coloured material can also improve appearance. If several fillings are worn, the dentist may suggest replacing them in a planned order, starting with those most at risk of causing problems. Spreading the work out can also make each visit shorter and easier.
Reasons to wait
Each time a filling is replaced, some tooth structure may be lost as old material and any decay are removed. For sound fillings, replacement purely for appearance is a personal choice. Ask the dentist about the risks and benefits, and whether monitoring a filling for now might be a reasonable option instead of replacing it today.
Replacement options
The size of the old filling guides the new one.
Tooth-coloured fillings
Composite resin fillings are shaded to match your teeth and bond to the tooth surface. They are commonly used to replace small to medium fillings, especially where appearance matters. The dentist will explain how well composite is likely to perform for the size and location of each filling. Shade is matched to your current teeth.
Larger restorations
Very large old fillings may leave the tooth too weak for another direct filling. In these cases, an inlay, onlay or crown may be suggested to protect the remaining structure. The dentist will explain why a larger restoration is recommended and how it compares with a new filling in strength, lifespan and the number of visits involved.
The process
Replacement is usually similar to getting a new filling.
Removing the old filling
The tooth is numbed, the old filling is removed and any decay underneath is cleaned out. The dentist then places the new material and shapes it to fit your bite. If several fillings are being replaced, ask how many can be done in one visit and what the plan is for the rest of them.
Aftercare
Some sensitivity after replacement is common and usually fades over days or weeks. Contact the office if pain increases or your bite feels uneven. Brush, floss and keep up regular checkups so the new fillings and their edges can be monitored over time. If you grind your teeth, ask whether a night guard would help protect the new work.
Planning your appointment
Checking old fillings from Boston
Call our Port Dover office to book an exam focused on your old fillings. Mention any that feel rough, cause sensitivity or bother you cosmetically, so the dentist can examine them closely.
If you have had fillings replaced before and experienced sensitivity, let the team know so they can plan the visit accordingly.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Old filling replacement questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Should I replace all my old silver fillings?
Not necessarily. Sound fillings that are not causing problems can often be left in place. The dentist will assess each filling and explain whether replacement is needed for health reasons or would be purely cosmetic.
How do I know if a filling is failing?
Signs include cracks, rough edges, sensitivity, food catching or decay around the edges. Some problems only show on x-rays, so regular checkups help catch failing fillings before they cause pain or the tooth itself cracks.
Will replacing a filling hurt?
The tooth is numbed during the procedure. Some sensitivity afterward is common and usually settles. Contact the office if discomfort is severe or does not improve over the following weeks, or if your bite feels uneven.
Can old fillings stain my teeth?
Older amalgam fillings can sometimes cause a grey tint in the surrounding tooth. Replacing them may improve appearance, but some discolouration in the tooth itself may remain. The dentist can explain what to expect for each tooth.
Are tooth-coloured fillings as strong?
Modern composite fillings work well for many small to medium cavities. For very large fillings or heavy biting areas, other restorations may be recommended. The dentist will advise based on each tooth and how much it is under stress.
Tooth-coloured repair options
Cosmetic Dentistry →Tooth-Coloured Restorations →
From composite fillings to ceramic crowns, tooth-coloured repairs blend in. Boston patients can compare materials and lifespan at our Port Dover office.
Composite Fillings →
Composite fillings repair decay with resin shaded to your tooth. Boston residents can learn how the visit works and how to care for fillings after.