Here’s What to Look For
Many patients assume that once a filling or crown is in place, it will last forever—but dental restorations do wear down over time. Whether it’s from daily biting pressure, grinding, or simple aging, outdated restorations can start to fail in ways that affect both your oral health and appearance.
At Portrait Dental, we regularly help patients evaluate their current restorations and determine whether a replacement is needed. From minor cracks to recurring sensitivity, recognizing the signs early can save you time, money, and discomfort down the road.
Visible Wear and Discoloration
Old fillings—especially silver amalgam ones—can tarnish, crack, or discolor surrounding tooth enamel over time. Composite (white) fillings may also stain or shrink slightly, leaving small gaps where bacteria can enter. Similarly, porcelain crowns can chip or show signs of wear along the chewing surface.
If you notice dark lines, visible cracks, or a “leaking” appearance near the edges of a crown or filling, it’s worth having it checked. Aesthetically, it may also be a good time to upgrade older metal work to a more natural-looking alternative.
Sensitivity, Pain, or Recurrent Decay
Recurring sensitivity or discomfort around a filled or crowned tooth may indicate a deeper issue—like decay beneath the restoration or a failing seal. If bacteria have gotten underneath, the underlying tooth structure could be compromised, even if the crown or filling appears fine from the outside.
These problems won’t resolve on their own. In fact, untreated decay under a restoration can quickly escalate into infection, requiring a root canal or even extraction. That’s why we recommend not ignoring those little twinges or temperature sensitivities—they’re often early warning signs.
Gaps, Looseness, or Changes in Bite
Restorations that no longer fit properly can throw off your bite, cause jaw discomfort, or even lead to shifting teeth. A crown that feels “high,” a filling that traps food, or any movement in a restoration can create issues that ripple through your whole mouth.
Loose crowns or fillings are also prone to falling out, especially while eating. If you feel anything shifting or clicking, it’s important to get it looked at promptly to prevent a dental emergency.
Protecting Your Investment in Your Smile
Your dental restorations were an investment in your oral health. Keeping them in good condition means staying proactive. At Portrait Dental, we provide personalized recommendations for when to repair, replace, or upgrade your restorations—often with more durable and aesthetically pleasing materials.
✅ Watch for changes in color, fit, or sensation
✅ Avoid using your teeth as tools or chewing hard objects
✅ Maintain excellent daily hygiene and professional cleanings
✅ Ask about restoration-friendly options like mouthguards if you grind at night
📞 Ready to give your smile a checkup? Book a consultation with Portrait Dental today and let us help you keep every part of your smile healthy—including the parts you can’t see!