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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Replacement of Old or Stained Fillings in Teeterville
Dark, worn or leaking fillings may need replacing. Teeterville patients can learn when replacement is advised, what material options exist and what to expect.
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Care for Teeterville households, provided at our Port Dover office
Browse every dental service for TeetervilleUpdating older dental work
Not every old filling needs replacing, but some clearly do.
Fillings do not last forever. Over time they can wear down, crack, discolour or develop gaps at the edges where new decay can start. Older silver amalgam fillings may look dark when you laugh, and tooth-coloured fillings can pick up stains. Deciding whether to replace a filling means weighing its condition, the health of the tooth and your own goals.
If you live in Teeterville and are unhappy with the look or feel of an older filling, the dentist at our Port Dover office can examine it and explain whether replacement is recommended for health reasons, appearance or both. You will also hear about the risks of replacing a filling that is still sound.
Signs of wear
The filling’s condition guides the decision.
Health reasons for replacement
Cracks in the filling or surrounding tooth, gaps at the edges, new decay underneath, sensitivity when biting or a rough area that catches floss can all suggest a filling is failing. X-rays help the dentist see decay that is hidden from view. Replacing a failing filling before the tooth breaks can often prevent the need for larger work later.
Appearance concerns
Some people want to replace dark amalgam fillings or stained composite fillings because they show when smiling. This is a valid reason, but it is important to understand that removing a filling always takes away a little tooth structure. The dentist will discuss whether the cosmetic benefit outweighs that cost for each tooth you are considering.
Material choices
The size of the old filling affects what replaces it.
Composite resin fillings
Composite resin can be matched to your tooth colour and bonded directly in the cavity. It works well for small to moderate fillings and often allows the dentist to keep more of the natural tooth. Composite can stain or wear over time, so it may need polishing or eventual replacement, particularly in areas with heavy biting forces.
Inlays, onlays and crowns
When an old filling is large or the tooth has cracks, a stronger restoration such as a ceramic inlay, onlay or crown may last longer than another filling. These are made in a lab or with digital equipment and bonded in place. The dentist will explain why a larger restoration is suggested and how many visits it requires.
The procedure
Replacement is similar to having a new filling placed.
Removing the old filling
After freezing, the dentist removes the old material and any decay beneath it. Sometimes the cavity turns out to be larger or deeper than expected once the old filling is out. If that happens, the dentist may discuss a different restoration or protecting the nerve before continuing. Let the team know if you need a break.
Placing the new restoration
For a composite filling, the material is placed in layers and hardened with a light, then shaped and polished. For lab-made restorations, a temporary filling is placed while the final piece is prepared. Your bite is checked at the end. Call the office if anything feels high or sensitive after you get back to Teeterville.
After replacement
A little sensitivity is normal at first.
Sensitivity and settling
Some sensitivity to cold or pressure can follow replacement, especially with deeper fillings. It usually fades over several days to a few weeks. A sensitivity toothpaste may help. If pain becomes sharp, throbbing or persists, contact our Port Dover office, since the bite may need adjusting or the nerve may need further evaluation before long.
Protecting the new filling
Brush twice daily, clean between teeth and limit frequent sugary snacks to protect the edges of the new filling. Avoid biting hard objects. If you grind, ask about a night guard. Regular checkups allow the dentist to monitor the restoration and catch wear or decay before it becomes a bigger problem for the tooth itself.
Planning your appointment
Reviewing old fillings from Teeterville.
Call our Port Dover office to book an exam and mention which fillings concern you. The dentist will assess their condition and talk through whether replacement makes sense now or can safely wait.
Bring any recent X-rays from another office, and let the team know about sensitivity or grinding that could affect the recommendation.
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. Sound amalgam fillings that are not causing problems may not need replacing. Each removal takes some tooth structure. The dentist can assess each filling and help you decide which, if any, to replace and when.
How long do fillings last?
It varies widely depending on size, material, location, bite forces and home care. Many fillings last for years. Regular checkups help identify when a filling begins to wear or leak so it can be replaced in a planned way.
Is it safe to remove amalgam fillings?
Amalgam removal is a routine procedure. The dentist uses suction and other measures to limit exposure during removal. If you have specific health concerns, discuss them with the dentist before deciding to replace sound fillings.
Will my new filling match my teeth?
Tooth-coloured composite and ceramic restorations can be shade-matched to your teeth. If you plan to whiten, do it first so the new filling can match your lighter shade, since fillings do not change colour with whitening.
Does replacing a filling hurt?
Local anaesthetic is used, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Some sensitivity afterward is common and usually settles within days or weeks. Contact the office if discomfort increases instead of gradually improving with time.
Restoration options
Cosmetic Dentistry →Tooth-Coloured Restorations →
Composite, ceramic and other tooth-coloured restorations can repair teeth discreetly. Teeterville patients can compare options and learn how each is maintained.
Composite Fillings →
A cavity found at your checkup? Teeterville patients can learn how composite fillings are placed, what affects how long they last and how to care for them.