Dental fillings are a critical part of a person's oral healthcare. They protect against various types of decay and can save a tooth from needing to be removed. Unfortunately, dental fillings can wear down over time and may do so unexpectedly. Therefore, it is essential to schedule regular trips to the dentist to avoid this type of complication.

Dental Fillings Don't Last Forever

When a person gets a dental filling to protect a cavity in their tooth, they are making a wise investment in their overall health. However, dental fillings are not a permanent solution. Depending on the type of fillings a person gets, they may wear out in as little as five years. Though five years of protection is still a good investment, those who aren't careful may find themselves experiencing further dental problems.

For example, a filling may wear down over time and expose a cavity to more decay and bacteria. While the break in the surface of the filling may not be immediately visible, it will be there and will cause some issues with a person's oral health. Even worse, a filling may pop off and leave a tooth open to even more issues. As a result, anybody with fillings needs to regularly visit the dentist, particularly around the time their fillings may age out.

Why Regular Dental Visits Are Important

Regular trips to the dentist can help a person with fillings by making it easier to spot any oral care issues that may be developing. For example, a dentist can check the surface of the filling for signs of wear and tear and dents. Then, they can reshape a filling if it doesn't fit the tooth properly, refill any holes that may have developed, or replace it if the surface is too far damaged to repair.

These experts can also help by cleaning the area around the filling before any damage occurs. Sometimes, brushing can be hard to get right in these areas and requires deep cleaning from a dentist who fully understands these issues. They can also floss in between the teeth around the filling if the person with it has a hard time reaching these areas during their normal oral care routines every day.

And regular trips to the dentist also reduce a person's needs for new fillings because other oral health problems, such as widespread decay, are more likely to be caught and properly treated before it becomes too difficult to manage.

For more information, contact a local dentist today.