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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Replacement of Old or Stained Fillings in Townsend
Worn, leaking or discoloured fillings may be worth replacing. Learn how the dentist decides, what replacement involves and which materials suit each tooth.
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Caring for Townsend patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for TownsendUpdating older dental work
Not every old filling needs replacing, but some do.
Fillings do not last forever. Over the years they can wear, crack, leak at the edges or become stained, and older metal fillings may darken the tooth around them. Some people want them replaced for appearance, while others need replacement because decay has developed underneath or the filling is breaking down.
If older fillings concern you, our Port Dover office can assess them for Townsend patients. The dentist will check each filling for wear, gaps and decay, explain which ones should be replaced and which are still sound, and discuss tooth-coloured materials and other options suited to each tooth.
Assess the fillings
The dentist checks whether each filling is still doing its job.
Signs a filling is failing
Cracks, chips, visible gaps at the edges, fresh decay around the margins, new sensitivity, pain when biting or a filling worn noticeably lower than the tooth around it are all signs that replacement may be needed. X-rays can reveal decay hidden under a filling that looks fine from above. The dentist will show you what they see and explain how urgent each finding is.
When replacement is optional
Some old fillings are intact and still sealing the tooth well, even if they look dated or dark. Replacing a sound filling purely for appearance is a personal choice. Every replacement removes a little more tooth, so the dentist will talk through the benefits and the trade-offs before you decide, and may suggest starting with the most visible teeth.
Choose the material
The right material depends on size and location.
Tooth-coloured composite
Composite resin can be shaded to match your tooth and bonded directly into place in a single visit. It is often suitable for small to moderate fillings, including on back teeth. Composite can wear or pick up stains over time, but it can usually be polished or patched rather than fully replaced. The dentist will check whether your bite and habits suit it.
Inlays, onlays and crowns
If an old filling is very large, or the tooth around it has cracked, an inlay, onlay or crown may provide better strength and protection. These are made to fit precisely and then bonded or cemented in place over two visits. The dentist will explain why a larger restoration might be recommended for a particular tooth and what the process involves.
The procedure
Replacement is similar to placing a new filling.
Removing the old filling
The area is numbed and the old filling is carefully drilled out. The dentist then checks the cavity for decay underneath and removes any that is found. Occasionally the tooth turns out to be more damaged than the surface suggested, perhaps with a crack under the old material. If that happens, the dentist will pause and explain the options before continuing.
Placing the new restoration
For a composite replacement, the new material is placed in thin layers, hardened with a curing light and then shaped and polished to blend with the tooth. For larger restorations, impressions are taken and a temporary is placed until the final piece is ready. In both cases the bite is checked so the new filling feels natural when you chew.
After replacement
Most people return to normal routines quickly.
Settling in
Mild sensitivity to cold or pressure for a few days is common after a filling is replaced, particularly if the old one was large or deep. Wait for the numbness to wear off before eating. If the bite feels high, or sensitivity lasts longer than a couple of weeks or seems to be increasing, contact the office so the tooth can be checked and adjusted.
Caring for new fillings
Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily and keep sugary snacks to mealtimes to protect the edges of your new fillings, where fresh decay usually begins. Avoid biting ice or other hard objects, and consider a night guard if you grind. Regular checkups help the dentist keep an eye on every filling and catch problems early.
Planning your appointment
Having fillings checked.
Call our Port Dover office and mention that you would like your older fillings assessed. If any are causing pain or sensitivity, describe the symptoms so the team can prioritize the teeth that need attention first.
If you plan to whiten your teeth, mention it, since new tooth-coloured fillings are best colour-matched after whitening has been completed.
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
Questions about replacing fillings
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Should I replace my old silver fillings?
If they are cracked, leaking or have decay underneath, replacement is often recommended. If they are intact and sealing well, it is a personal decision. The dentist will explain the condition of each filling and the pros and cons of replacing it.
Can tooth-coloured fillings be used on back teeth?
Often, yes. Composite is commonly used on back teeth for small to moderate fillings. Very large fillings in areas that take heavy biting forces may be better restored with an inlay, onlay or crown, which the dentist can discuss with you.
Will replacing a filling weaken my tooth?
Each replacement removes a small amount of tooth structure, which is why the dentist recommends replacing only fillings that need it, or those you choose to change for appearance. Bonded materials can help support the remaining walls of the tooth.
How many fillings can be replaced in one visit?
It depends on their size, where they are and how comfortable you are in the chair. The dentist may suggest replacing several at once or spreading them across visits. Discuss your preferences and schedule when planning so the approach suits you.
Why does my tooth look dark around an old filling?
Older metal fillings can tint the surrounding tooth grey over time, or there may be decay at the edges. The dentist will examine the area and take X-rays if needed to work out the cause and whether replacement would help.
Tooth-coloured restoration options
Cosmetic Dentistry →Tooth-Coloured Restorations →
Tooth-coloured restorations repair damage while blending in. Townsend patients can compare fillings, inlays, onlays and crowns and how each is maintained.
Composite Fillings →
Composite fillings repair cavities with tooth-coloured material. Townsend patients can learn how they are placed, when they suit and how to look after them.