We accept most major insurance plans and handle all the paperwork for you!
We accept most major insurance plans and handle all the paperwork for you!
When a filling cracks, chips, or falls out completely, it can feel like a dental emergency. Broken fillings not only affect your smile’s appearance but also expose vulnerable tooth structure to potential damage and decay. Quick intervention is essential to prevent further complications and restore your tooth’s strength and function.
At Grand Oaks Dentistry, Dr. Sharma and our experienced team have been addressing broken fillings for South Austin residents since 2014. We understand the urgency of these situations and provide prompt, effective solutions to protect your oral health and restore your comfort.
Dental fillings aren’t designed to last forever. Even with excellent care, most fillings will eventually need replacement. Understanding why fillings fail can help you recognize when it’s time to seek treatment:
Most composite (tooth-colored) fillings last between 5-10 years, while traditional amalgam (silver) fillings typically last 10-15 years. Over time, the daily stress of chewing and temperature changes causes microscopic damage that eventually leads to failure. If your filling is approaching or has exceeded its expected lifespan, the risk of breakage increases significantly.
Bruxism—unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth, especially during sleep—places enormous pressure on fillings. This excessive force can accelerate wear and cause fillings to crack or chip prematurely. If you’ve been diagnosed with bruxism or suspect you grind your teeth, addressing this underlying issue is crucial for the longevity of your dental work.
Sometimes, new decay develops around or underneath existing fillings, compromising their structural integrity. This “secondary decay” occurs when bacteria infiltrate the microscopic space between the filling and tooth structure, weakening the foundation supporting the filling.
When a filling is placed too high or doesn’t match your natural bite pattern, it experiences excessive force during chewing. This imbalance can lead to premature failure of even the highest-quality filling materials.
Recognizing the early warning signs of a failing filling allows for timely intervention. Contact our South Austin office if you experience any of these symptoms:
Sometimes, a broken filling causes no immediate symptoms but can still be detected during your regular dental exam. This highlights the importance of maintaining your six-month checkups at our South Austin practice, even when everything seems fine.
At Grand Oaks Dentistry, we take a comprehensive approach to addressing failed fillings. Each situation is unique and requires personalized evaluation and treatment:
When you arrive with a broken filling, Dr. Sharma will carefully examine the affected tooth to determine the extent of the damage. Digital X-rays may be taken to check for decay beneath the filling or cracks extending into the tooth structure. This thorough assessment ensures we address all underlying issues, not just the visible damage.
Based on our evaluation, we’ll recommend the most appropriate solution for your specific situation:
For minor damage with sufficient healthy tooth structure remaining, we can often simply remove the old filling material, clean the area thoroughly, and place a new filling. At our South Austin office, we primarily use composite resin fillings that match your natural tooth color for a seamless appearance.
The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes and is completed in a single visit. Most patients experience minimal discomfort, and the restored tooth functions normally immediately after treatment.
When damage is more extensive but doesn’t warrant a full crown, inlays and onlays provide an excellent intermediate solution. These laboratory-crafted restorations are made from durable materials like porcelain or composite resin and are precisely fitted to your tooth.
These restorations typically require two visits to our South Austin office—one for preparation and impressions, and a second to bond the custom-made restoration to your tooth.
In cases where a significant portion of the tooth structure is compromised, or the tooth has been weakened by multiple previous fillings, a dental crown may be the most appropriate solution. A crown encases the entire visible portion of the tooth, providing maximum protection and strength.
Modern crowns are crafted from materials that closely mimic natural teeth in both appearance and function. The process typically involves two visits: one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and another to place the permanent crown after it’s fabricated in a dental laboratory.
If decay or damage has reached the inner pulp of your tooth, causing infection or inflammation, root canal therapy may be necessary before the tooth can be restored. This procedure removes the infected tissue, eliminates pain, and preserves the natural tooth structure.
After root canal treatment, the tooth is typically restored with a crown to provide long-term protection and function.
While no dental restoration lasts forever, several strategies can help extend the lifespan of your fillings:
During your regular visits to our South Austin office, Dr. Sharma will check the integrity of your existing fillings and recommend preventive measures or timely replacements as needed.
The cost of treating a broken filling varies depending on the extent of damage and the type of restoration needed:
At Grand Oaks Dentistry, we understand these treatments represent a significant investment in your health. We offer financing options through Care Credit and Cherry that can make necessary dental work more affordable, potentially as low as $100 per month depending on your treatment plan.
Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for the replacement of broken fillings, typically covering 50-80% of the cost for necessary restorative procedures. Our team will help you understand your coverage and maximize your benefits.
When it comes to restoring broken fillings, experience and precision matter. At Grand Oaks Dentistry, Dr. Sharma brings years of restorative dentistry expertise to every procedure, ensuring optimal outcomes for our South Austin patients.
We pride ourselves on providing:
Our consistent presence in the South Austin community since 2014 has built a foundation of trust with our patients. We’re committed to providing the same high standard of care for every filling replacement, whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been with us for years.
A broken filling might seem like a minor inconvenience, but postponing treatment can lead to more serious dental problems, including:
If you’ve noticed signs of a failing filling, contact Grand Oaks Dentistry today at (737) 257-5609 or through our contact form to schedule your evaluation. Our experienced team is ready to restore your tooth’s integrity and protect your smile for years to come.
