5 Reasons to Replace an Old Dental Filling

Dental fillings are built to last, but they won’t last forever. Over time, even the best ones can wear down, loosen, or break. If you’ve had a filling for several years, it might be time to take a closer look. Replacing an old filling isn’t just about comfort — it can protect your tooth and help prevent bigger issues down the road.

At Colony Dental Care, Dr. James Oei helps patients in San Antonio stay ahead of tooth damage by replacing old, worn, or failing fillings before they cause complications. Not sure if yours is still holding up? Here are five reasons it might be time for a replacement.

1. The Filling is Cracked, Loose, or Worn Down

Every bite you take puts stress on your fillings. After years of chewing and grinding, even the toughest materials can wear out. Small fractures or rough edges may not hurt right away—but they can weaken the tooth and create room for bacteria.

Cracks are often too small to spot at home, but they can show up during a detailed dental exam. That’s one reason regular checkups are so important.

2. Your Bite Feels “Off” or Floss Keeps Catching

Has your bite started to feel uneven? Or maybe you’ve noticed floss shredding between two teeth where it didn’t before? These small changes can be signs that a dental filling has shifted or isn’t fitting quite right anymore. Even a small misalignment can stress your tooth or jaw over time.

3. You’re Feeling Sensitivity or Pain

Tooth sensitivity—especially to temperature or pressure—can mean the seal around your filling is breaking down. When bacteria sneak in under a filling, they can start new decay that’s hidden from view.

You may also notice pain when chewing in one spot, or a dull ache that comes and goes. Don’t ignore it—it could be a sign of recurrent decay and early intervention usually means a simpler fix.

4. The Filling is Visibly Damaged or Discolored

Over time, older fillings—especially metal or resin-based ones—can stain or chip. If you see a dark line around the edge, a rough spot, or a gap forming between the filling and the tooth, it’s a sign that it may be time for a replacement.

Newer materials often blend more naturally with your smile, too, so a replacement might even improve the look of the tooth.

5. It’s Been a Long Time Since It Was Placed

Most fillings last between 5 and 15 years, depending on the material used and how much wear they take. If you’ve had a filling for more than a decade and haven’t had it evaluated recently, now’s a good time to take a closer look.

Even if nothing hurts, replacing an old filling before it fails can help prevent cracks, decay, or more expensive treatment down the road.

Filling Replacements at Colony Dental Care in San Antonio, TX

Not sure whether your old dental filling is still doing its job? Dr. James Oei and the team at Colony Dental Care in San Antonio, TX are here to help you stay ahead of any issues. With a quick exam and updated X-rays, we can assess the condition of your fillings and recommend whether it’s time for a replacement.

If it is, don’t worry—we’ll walk you through your options and get your tooth back in shape comfortably and efficiently. Give us a call to schedule your visit and keep your smile strong for the years ahead.

Categorised in: Dental Fillings