How to Know if Your Dental Work Needs Replacement

Things break down over time, and dental work is no exception. Knowing the warning signs of failing restorations can help you address issues before they become bigger, more costly problems.

General Guidelines

Pain is often the first indicator that something needs fixing. Sensitivity to heat or cold could mean an exposed nerve. However, some damage may not be immediately apparent, which is why regular dental checkups are so important.

Crowns

Sensitivity in a crowned tooth may indicate a crack. A jagged edge could mean a chip has occurred, which can cause bite problems or irritate your lip or cheek. Crowns can also become dislodged over time. Check your crowns regularly and consume hard or sticky foods in moderation.

Veneers

Inspect your veneers regularly for cracks. If you grind your teeth at night, wear a protective mouthpiece. Avoid biting into hard foods such as hard candy, pistachio shells, ice, olive pits, and bones.

Failed Root Canal

A failing root canal may cause pain or abscesses, or there may be no noticeable symptoms at all. Annual X-rays are the best way to monitor root canal-treated teeth, as infection can spread to the surrounding bone. Fortunately, 9 out of 10 root-treated teeth survive 8 to 10 years.

Fillings

The average American has 3 fillings, and 25% have 11 or more. Signs that a filling may need replacement include feeling a hole with your tongue where the filling used to be, discovering a small hard object while eating, or recently biting down hard on the area where a filling is located.