Dental work is meant to last for decades. If it’s been decades since you’ve had your work done, however, it may be time to replace what you have. Dental innovations are happening every day, which means there are more sophisticated tools and materials available to upgrade your old dental work, so you have a strong, healthy smile for several more decades.
Your dentures are loose.
Dentures are customized to fit snugly in your mouth. A complete denture across the arch of the top of your mouth covers the palate, which takes some adjustment. Once the denture is settled in place, things will work well but, over time, the muscles and jawbone can change, which means the dentures won’t fit as well.
If you are having trouble with your dentures, if they’re slipping out of place too often or you don’t feel confident while wearing them, you may need a new denture solution. Or, you may find, dental implants or an implant-supported partial denture is the better choice. These solutions are permanent, with the implants taking up residence in your jawbone, adding security and keeping the bone stimulated and healthy.
You have concerns about the look or feel of your dental crown.
Dental crowns are designed to cover, protect, and preserve a tooth, restoring its strength and functionality so it looks natural and lasts for a long time. If you take good care of your teeth, brush and floss every day, see your dentist twice a year, and address any problems as soon as they develop, your crown can last a lifetime.
If you have any of the following signs, your crown may need to be fixed or replaced:
- A dark margin along the gum line around the crown, caused by receding gums.
- A cracked or worn crown, caused of excessive teeth grinding and clenching.
- A loose crown or a crown that has fallen off.
- There is decay in the tooth under the crown.
- You have infected gum tissue at the base of the crown.
Crowns are used to fix individual teeth, but they are also used to anchor a dental bridge. If a crown is compromised, any other dental restorations associated with the crown could be in trouble too.
It’s been 15 years or more since you’ve gotten a tooth filled.
You probably don’t remember the location of a filling if it’s been years or decades since you had a problem tooth repaired. If you’re still seeing the same dentist, they can help jog your memory. If you’re seeing a new dentist, she can tell whether your filling is stable through an examination. Usually, tooth-colored composite fillings last for about 10 years; they can last even longer with proper care.
It’s time to see your Arlington dentist if you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, pressure when eating, or a constant toothache or throbbing. There are also visible signs of filling deterioration, like holes or dark spots on your tooth.
When decay is present, fillings take the place of lost tooth structure. This solves the problem. But if you don’t replace aging fillings, new problems can develop, like chips or fractures, infections, or abscesses. This may require extraction or root canal. Getting a new filling when it’s time is the easy, smart solution that saves you from other potential restorations or repairs.
If you have a painful or problem tooth or think your smile is ready for an upgrade, schedule an appointment with Dr. Alana Macalik today.
