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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Replacement of Old or Stained Fillings in Hillcrest
Dark, worn or leaking fillings can sometimes be swapped for tooth-coloured ones. Hillcrest patients can learn when replacing them makes sense in Port Dover.
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Browse every service for HillcrestUpdating 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 around the edges or develop gaps where bacteria can enter and cause new decay. Some people also want to replace dark silver fillings or discoloured tooth-coloured ones for appearance. The decision depends on the condition of each filling, the health of the tooth and your own priorities.
Hillcrest patients who are concerned about older fillings can have them evaluated at our Port Dover office. The dentist will check each one, explain which are functioning well and which may need attention, and describe the options for replacement when it is appropriate, so you can plan any work at a sensible pace.
Evaluating fillings
The first step is an honest look at each filling.
Signs a filling is failing
Cracks in the filling or tooth, dark lines along the edges, chips, rough surfaces that catch floss, sensitivity when biting and new decay around the margins can all suggest a filling is failing. X-rays help reveal decay beneath fillings that cannot be seen during a visual exam. The dentist will explain which signs they see and how serious each one appears to be.
Fillings that can stay
An intact filling that is sealing well and causing no problems may be best left alone, even if it is old or silver-coloured. Removing a filling always takes away some tooth structure, and each replacement makes the cavity slightly larger. If your concern is purely cosmetic, the dentist will discuss the benefits and trade-offs so you can make an informed choice.
Choosing materials
The size of the old filling shapes the replacement.
Composite resin fillings
Small to moderate fillings are often replaced with composite resin, a tooth-coloured material that bonds to the tooth and can be shaded to match. It can be completed in a single visit. Composite may wear or stain over time, so the dentist will discuss how long it is likely to last given its location and the forces placed on it by your bite.
Inlays, onlays and crowns
If an old filling is very large or the tooth has cracks, a laboratory-made inlay, onlay or crown may provide better strength. These options involve more visits and cost but can reinforce weakened teeth. The dentist will explain why a particular option is recommended, how much tooth each requires removing and the expected longevity of each choice.
The procedure
Replacement is similar to placing a new filling.
Removing the old material
The tooth is numbed and the old filling is carefully removed along with any decay underneath. If the old filling was amalgam, the dentist uses suction and water spray to minimize debris during removal. Once the tooth is clean, the dentist assesses how much healthy tooth remains, which may confirm the planned replacement or lead to a revised recommendation.
Placing the new restoration
For a composite filling, the tooth is prepared, the resin is applied in layers and hardened with a curing light, then shaped and polished. Your bite is checked and adjusted. For laboratory restorations, impressions are taken and a temporary filling is placed until the final restoration is ready. Some sensitivity may follow for a short period.
Afterwards
New fillings benefit from the same care as natural teeth.
Settling in
Mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure is common for a few days to a couple of weeks after replacement. If your bite feels high, pain increases or sensitivity persists, contact the office for an adjustment. Avoid chewing until numbness wears off to prevent biting your cheek or tongue, and start with softer foods if the tooth feels tender.
Protecting your investment
Brush with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth daily and limit frequent sugary snacks to reduce the risk of new decay around the margins. If you grind your teeth, a night guard may protect new fillings. Regular checkups allow the dentist to monitor the restorations and catch any wear early, extending their life as long as possible.
Planning your appointment
Reviewing older fillings at our Port Dover office.
Hillcrest patients can book an examination and mention any fillings that concern them, whether for appearance, sensitivity or age. The dentist will review each one and explain which, if any, would benefit from replacement now.
If you are planning whitening, ask whether to complete it first, since new tooth-coloured fillings are matched to your current shade.
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
Filling replacement questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Should I replace all my silver fillings?
Not necessarily. Intact amalgam fillings that are functioning well may not need replacing. The dentist will assess each one and explain whether replacement is recommended for clinical reasons or is purely a cosmetic choice for you to consider.
How long do fillings usually last?
Lifespan varies widely depending on the material, size, location and your oral habits. Many fillings last for years, but all eventually wear. Regular checkups help identify problems early so replacement can be planned rather than urgent.
Is replacing a filling painful?
Local anaesthetic keeps the tooth comfortable during the procedure. Some sensitivity afterwards is common and usually settles within days or weeks. Let the dentist know if discomfort persists or worsens after the numbness wears off.
Can stained tooth-coloured fillings be polished?
Sometimes surface staining can be reduced with polishing. Deeper discolouration or staining along the margins may indicate the filling needs replacing. The dentist will examine it and suggest the most suitable approach for that tooth.
Will a new filling match my teeth?
Tooth-coloured materials can be shaded to blend with surrounding teeth. If you plan to whiten, it is usually best to do so first, since fillings will not change colour afterwards and should be matched to your final shade.
Tooth-coloured restoration options
Cosmetic Dentistry →Tooth-Coloured Restorations →
Composite, ceramic and porcelain can repair teeth while blending with your smile. Hillcrest patients can compare tooth-coloured options in Port Dover.
Composite Fillings →
Composite fillings restore decayed teeth with tooth-coloured resin. Hillcrest patients can learn how they are placed and cared for at our Port Dover office.