Dental fillings are strong, but they’re not perfect. Sometimes they break or fall out, leading to dental filling failure. If this has happened to you, you know it can be scary. At Higher Ground Dentistry in Upland, we see this problem often. That’s why we’re here to explain why it happens and how to prevent it.

Understanding Dental Filling Failure

Most fillings last 5 to 15 years. However, this depends on the material and how you care for your teeth. Additionally, several things can cause dental filling failure early. The good news? You can prevent many of these causes with proper care and regular checkups.

Common Causes of Dental Filling Failure

Wear and tear is the most common reason for dental filling failure. Every time you chew, your fillings feel significant pressure. In fact, this can reach hundreds of pounds per square inch. Over time, this constant stress can weaken the bond between the filling and your tooth. As a result, cracks or breaks can develop in the filling material.

New decay around the filling is another big issue we see at our Upland practice. For instance, bacteria can slip under or around an existing filling. When this happens, they create new cavities that weaken the seal. According to Dr. Sikka, this is precisely why your preventive care routine matters so much. In other words, catching decay early stops bigger, more expensive problems later on.

Teeth grinding (bruxism) puts huge stress on your dental work. For example, if you grind your teeth at night, you’re hammering at your fillings while you sleep. Surprisingly, many patients don’t know they’re doing it. Fortunately, we often spot the signs during an exam.

Material Matters

Different filling materials last different amounts of time. Moreover, they also have different weak points. Composite resin fillings look natural and blend beautifully with your teeth. However, they may stain or chip over time. On the other hand, amalgam fillings are very strong and durable. Nevertheless, they can expand and contract with hot and cold temperatures. Because of this, they sometimes crack the tooth around them.

At Higher Ground Dentistry, we help you pick the right material for your needs. First, we look at where the tooth is located in your mouth. Then we check the size of the filling you need. Finally, we consider your specific lifestyle and preferences. There’s no single best answer for everyone. Instead, it’s about finding what works best for your unique situation.

How to Prevent Filling Failure

The best way to prevent dental filling failure is simple. Specifically, regular dental visits let us check your fillings. As a result, we catch problems before they become emergencies. Additionally, we’re open Saturdays and Sundays. Therefore, this makes it easy for busy families and working people in Upland to keep their teeth healthy.

Practice proper oral hygiene practices daily. Brush twice a day. Also, floss every day. Furthermore, limit sugary foods. In doing so, you’ll protect both your teeth and your fillings. Meanwhile, if you think you’re grinding your teeth, tell us at your visit. In that case, a custom night guard can save your fillings and your teeth.

What To Do When Your Filling Fails

If a filling breaks or falls out, don’t panic. Instead, call our emergency dental services right away. After all, we know that dental problems don’t wait. That’s why we’re here for our Upland community when you need us most.

Sometimes a simple replacement works great. However, other times, you might need more help. For instance, you may need restorative dentistry options like crowns. This depends on how much tooth is lost. According to the American Dental Association guidelines, quick treatment stops more damage. Ultimately, it prevents bigger procedures later.

Your Partners in Prevention

At Higher Ground Dentistry, we do more than fix problems. Instead, we’re your neighbors. We help you keep healthy smiles for life. Dr. Sikka and our bilingual team (¡Se habla Español!) explain your options clearly. In addition, we help you make good choices about your dental care.

Remember, most filling failures can be stopped with proper care. Regular checkups help catch issues early. Similarly, good home care matters tremendously. Also, fixing issues like teeth grinding is important for long-term success. With these steps, your dental work can last many years. Ready to schedule a consultation? Ultimately, we’re here to make your dental experience better, one smile at a time.