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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Replacement of Old or Stained Fillings in Jarvis
Worn, leaking or discoloured fillings may be worth replacing. Learn how Jarvis patients can have old restorations assessed and whether a tooth-coloured option suits them.
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Every dental service for Jarvis patientsRefreshing older restorations
Not every old filling needs replacing, but some do.
Fillings don’t last forever. Over the years, they can wear, chip, leak at the edges or become discoloured. Silver amalgam fillings may make teeth look grey, while older tooth-coloured fillings can stain. Some patients want them replaced for appearance, while others need replacement because the filling is failing or decay has formed beneath it.
When an old filling bothers someone in Jarvis, the dentist at our Port Dover office can examine it and say whether replacement is advisable, optional or best left alone for now.
Evaluate the filling
The condition of the filling guides the decision.
Signs a filling is failing
Cracks, chips, gaps at the edges, decay around the margins, sensitivity or food catching around a filling can indicate it is failing. The dentist examines the filling closely and uses X-rays to check for hidden decay underneath. These findings help decide whether replacement is necessary for the health of the tooth.
When a filling can stay
An intact filling with sealed edges and no decay may not need replacing, even if it is old or silver. Removing a sound filling removes some healthy tooth structure as well. The dentist will explain the condition of each filling so you can make an informed choice.
Cosmetic reasons
Appearance can be a valid reason for replacement.
Dark or stained fillings
Silver fillings can make teeth appear dark, and older composite fillings may become yellow or stained over time. If these are visible when you smile or talk and they bother you, replacing them with tooth-coloured material can improve appearance. The dentist will discuss the benefits and any trade-offs involved.
Matching after whitening
If you plan to whiten your teeth, do it before replacing visible tooth-coloured fillings. Restorations do not change colour with whitening, so replacing them afterward allows the new filling to match your brighter shade. Plan the timing with the dentist to get a consistent result.
Replacement options
The size of the old filling affects the replacement.
Composite fillings
For small to medium fillings, a new composite filling is often suitable. It is shaded to match the tooth and bonded in place, usually in a single visit. The dentist removes the old material, cleans out any decay and builds the new restoration in layers.
Inlays, onlays and crowns
When an old filling is large or the tooth has weakened, an inlay, onlay or crown may provide better strength and protection. These are custom-made and typically involve two visits. The dentist will explain which option is appropriate based on how much healthy tooth remains.
After replacement
New restorations need the same care as natural teeth.
Comfort after the procedure
Mild sensitivity to temperature can occur for a short time after replacing a filling, especially a deep one. If the bite feels uneven, sensitivity lasts more than a few weeks or you have lingering pain, contact the office. Small adjustments are often all that is needed.
Keeping new fillings healthy
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth to prevent decay at the edges. Limit staining drinks if you have tooth-coloured restorations. Keep regular checkups so the dentist can monitor all your fillings and catch problems early.
Planning your appointment
Reviewing old fillings from Jarvis
Call our Port Dover office to book an exam focused on older fillings. Mention any that bother you because of appearance, sensitivity or rough edges.
If you plan to whiten your teeth, let the team know so the timing of replacement can be discussed.
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 silver fillings without decay may be left in place. The dentist will assess each filling and explain whether replacement is advisable.
Are silver fillings unsafe?
Health organizations consider intact amalgam fillings safe for most people. If you have concerns, discuss them with the dentist, who can explain the options and considerations.
How long will the new filling last?
It depends on size, location, bite forces and home care. Composite fillings often last many years with good care and regular checkups.
Will replacing a filling hurt?
The tooth is usually numbed during the procedure. Some sensitivity afterward is common for a short time. Most people find the experience similar to getting a new filling.
Can stained composite fillings be polished?
Sometimes surface stains can be polished away. If staining is deeper or the filling is worn, replacement may be recommended. The dentist will advise.
Tooth-coloured restoration options
Cosmetic Dentistry →Tooth-Coloured Restorations →
From composite fillings to ceramic crowns, tooth-coloured restorations repair damage while blending in. See how Jarvis patients can compare options and what affects durability.
Composite Fillings →
Composite fillings repair decay with a tooth-coloured material. Jarvis patients can learn how a cavity is assessed, what the visit involves and how to care for it after.