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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Replacement of Old or Stained Fillings in Silver Hill
Dark, worn or leaking fillings can be replaced, but not every one needs to go. Silver Hill patients can learn how the dentist decides and what is involved.
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Every dental service for Silver HillRefresh what has worn out
Old fillings can be replaced when there is a good reason to.
Fillings do not last forever. Over time they can wear, chip, stain around the edges or develop small gaps where bacteria get in. Older metal fillings may also make teeth look grey or dark, which bothers some people when they smile or laugh. Replacing a filling can improve appearance and protect the tooth, but it also removes a little more tooth structure each time.
Patients from Silver Hill who are concerned about older fillings can have them assessed at our Port Dover office. The dentist will check each filling’s condition, explain whether replacement is recommended for health, appearance or both, and describe the materials available, so you can make a balanced decision.
Assessing old fillings
The condition of a filling matters more than its age.
Problems that call for replacement
Cracks in the filling or tooth, decay around or under the edges, rough or chipped surfaces, food catching around it or new sensitivity can all indicate a filling that needs attention. X-rays may reveal decay hidden underneath. A filling that is leaking or failing is usually best replaced before the problem spreads deeper into the tooth.
Fillings that can be left in place
A filling that is intact, sealed and causing no symptoms may be best left alone, even if it is old or a different colour. Removing a sound filling always takes away some healthy tooth. The dentist will explain whether replacing a filling is necessary for your oral health or mainly a cosmetic preference you can weigh.
Choosing materials
The replacement depends on the size and location of the filling.
Tooth-coloured composite
Composite resin can be shaded to match natural teeth and bonded to the tooth, making it a popular choice for replacing older fillings in visible and back teeth. It works well for small to medium restorations. Composite can stain gradually and may wear faster than some alternatives under heavy biting forces, which the dentist will discuss.
Inlays, onlays and crowns
When an old filling is large or the tooth has cracks, a porcelain or composite inlay or onlay, or a crown, may provide better strength and protection. These are made outside the mouth and fitted over two visits. The dentist will explain why a larger restoration might be recommended and how it compares with a direct filling.
The appointment
Replacement is usually similar to having a new filling placed.
Removing the old filling
After freezing, the old filling is carefully removed. If it is a metal filling, the dental team uses suction and other precautions during removal. The tooth is examined for decay or cracks underneath, and any problems are addressed. The dentist will let you know if the tooth needs more extensive treatment than originally expected.
Placing the new restoration
For a composite filling, the tooth is prepared, the resin is applied in layers, hardened with a curing light and shaped to fit your bite. It is then polished smooth. If an inlay, onlay or crown is planned, impressions are taken and a temporary restoration is placed until the final one is ready.
After replacement
New fillings need the same care as natural teeth.
Sensitivity and adjustment
Mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure is common for a short time after replacement, especially if the old filling was large. It usually fades within a few weeks. If the bite feels high, pain increases or sensitivity lingers, contact the office so the filling can be checked and adjusted if necessary.
Keeping the new filling healthy
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth daily and limit frequent sugary snacks. Coffee, tea and tobacco can stain composite over time. Regular checkups allow the dentist to monitor your fillings and catch small problems early, before replacement becomes necessary again. Mention any new sensitivity at those visits.
Planning your appointment
Reviewing your fillings in Port Dover
When you contact our Port Dover office from Silver Hill, mention which fillings concern you and whether the issue is appearance, sensitivity or damage. The dentist can then plan time to assess them properly.
If you have X-rays from a recent visit elsewhere, ask for them to be sent. They help the dentist evaluate fillings without repeating images.
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 old metal fillings?
Not necessarily. Fillings that are intact and sealed may be best left alone, since removing them takes away healthy tooth. The dentist will check each one and recommend replacement only where there is a health concern or if you have a clear cosmetic goal.
Are tooth-coloured fillings as strong as metal?
Modern composite materials are strong and suitable for many fillings, but very large restorations under heavy biting forces may be better served by an inlay, onlay or crown. The dentist will consider the tooth’s location and your bite when advising.
Will replacing a filling hurt?
The tooth is numbed during replacement, so most people feel only pressure and vibration. Some sensitivity after treatment is common and usually fades. Persistent pain should be reported so the dentist can check whether the tooth needs further attention.
Can stained edges around a filling be polished?
Sometimes surface stains can be polished away. If staining is caused by leakage or decay at the edge, the filling may need repair or replacement. The dentist will examine the area and explain what is causing the discolouration before suggesting a fix.
How long will the new filling last?
Lifespan depends on the material, size, location, your bite and home care. Many fillings last for years. Regular checkups help identify wear or leaks early, so the filling can be repaired or replaced before it causes problems for the tooth.
Tooth-coloured repair options
Cosmetic Dentistry →Tooth-Coloured Restorations →
Composite, porcelain and ceramic restorations repair teeth discreetly. Silver Hill patients can compare fillings, inlays, onlays and crowns in natural shades.
Composite Fillings →
Composite fillings repair decay with a resin shaded to match your tooth. Silver Hill patients can learn when they suit a cavity and how to make them last.