Dental fillings typically last for many years, but they are not indestructible and don't they last forever. Thus, there may come a time when you have no option but to replace your dental fillings. Here are some of the circumstances under which you should consider replacing your dental fillings.

The Fillings Are Discolored

Dental fillings are typically designed to match the color of your natural teeth. This is great since it helps the fillings blend in with your teeth so that no one can immediately tell you have fillings. The uniform color is also great for aesthetics. Even though dental fillings don't discolor easily, they might get stained after years of use. Unlike natural teeth that you can bleach and whiten, dental fillings don't respond to bleaching. Thus, if you want to maintain the original color of a filling, the best thing is to have the dentist replace it.

The Fillings Leak

If you have amalgam dental fillings, then you should have them replaced when you start to notice signs of leakage. Amalgam fillings are manufactured from a blend of various metals such as zinc, tin, mercury, and silver. After some time, the filling might deteriorate and slow some of the metal elements to fall of the filling and affect your body. Signs of leaking amalgam fillings include bleeding gums, a metallic taste in the mouth, stomach upsets, and inflamed oral tissues, among other things. These symptoms are usually attributed to the effect of the mercury that is part of the filing.

The Fillings Are Cracked

Dental fillings are relatively strong and don't damage easily, but they are not indestructible. Many of the same things that can damage your natural teeth can also damage your dental filling.  Physical trauma to the teeth and bad oral habits like chewing on hard objects (such as ice) can all damage your dental filling. The fillings can end up being cracked or chipped, in which case you have to replace them.

Your Filled Tooth Is Hypersensitive

A dental filling is typically used to strengthen weak or diseased teeth. For example, if your natural tooth has cracked or is damaged to the point where the inner dentin is exposed, you can use dental fillings to cover up the damage and strengthen the affected tooth. If the filled tooth becomes sensitive to hot or cold food and drinks, then the filling is not doing a good job of covering up the diseased tooth. Replacing the dental filling will take care of heightened sensitivity.

For more information, get in contact with your family dentist.