When should the seal be replaced?

1. Toothache and hypersensitivity

If a tooth with a filling begins to hurt or reacts with hypersensitivity to cold, heat or sweet foods, this may indicate that the filling is leaking and secondary caries develops under it. In such a situation, it is necessary to remove the old filling, clean the tooth and put a new filling.

2. Mechanical damage seals

The seal can crack, crumble, wear out or even fall out, especially under the influence of hard foods or injuries. Damaged filling ceases to protect the tooth, which promotes the development of secondary caries and requires urgent replacement.

3. Old filling

Seals, especially those made of composite materials, have a limited shelf life, usually 5 to 10 years, and amalgam seals even up to about 10 years or more. After this time, they can wear out, lose tightness and protective properties, which justifies their replacement.

4. Color change and aesthetics

Over time, seals can darken, turn yellow or discolor, which negatively affects the aesthetics of the smile. This is especially evident with amalgam fillings, which are dark and unsightly. In these cases, patients often choose to replace them with composite fillings, which are more color-matched to natural teeth.

5. Hygiene and tightness problems

If the so-called “crocheting” of the thread occurs during the flossing of teeth, this may indicate a leak of the filling and the development of caries. Visible brown discoloration around the filling is another signal that the seal needs to be replaced.

6. Replacement of amalgam seals for health reasons

Amalgamate fillings contain mercury, which can be harmful to the body. Replacing them with modern composite fillings is recommended especially for pregnant, lactating women and children. In addition to aesthetic considerations, it is also a matter of health safety.

summary

Seals should be replaced in situations where:

• pain or hypersensitivity of the tooth appears,
• the seal is damaged or falls out,
• the filling is old and worn,
• the seal changes color and worsens aesthetics,
• there are problems with hygiene and tightness,
• there is a need to replace amalgam seals with safer materials.

Regular visits to the dentist and control of the condition of the seals allow early detection of problems and effective treatment, which protects the health of the teeth and improves the comfort of life.