Old Fillings
Dentists use fillings to replace tooth structure that is lost to decay. Fillings protect your teeth and surrounding oral structure for up to 15 years, but they’ll need to be replaced if they are broken, the margins aren’t sealed, or there’s recurrent decay under the filling. Not replacing dental fillings can lead to chipped or fractured tooth, infection, or abscesses, and may harm the long term health of your tooth. You can know if your dental fillings need replaced by looking for signs and symptoms at home and getting appropriate dental care.