If your fillings are more than a decade old, you are not alone. Millions of Canadians still rely on silver amalgam work placed in childhood or early adulthood. While these restorations served their purpose, time, temperature changes, and daily chewing forces can erode their sealing ability. Cracks, staining around the margins, and recurrent decay often hide under the surface—sometimes without causing pain until significant damage is done. Replacing aging fillings before trouble starts is one of the smartest investments you can make for your smile. At Cranberry Hill Dentistry in Waterdown, we help patients transition from worn-out restorations to strong, nearly invisible alternatives in a single, comfortable visit. Here is everything you need to know.
Whether you're experiencing discomfort or simply want a more modern solution, a dentist Waterdown residents trust can assess the integrity of your existing fillings and recommend the best course of action.
Why Old Fillings Fail
Constant Expansion and Contraction
Traditional amalgam contains metals that expand with heat and contract with cold. Over years of hot coffee and iced tea, this movement can create micro-fractures in surrounding enamel.
Marginal Breakdown of Fillings
Saliva, acids, and bacteria seep between the filling and enamel as the seal degrades. What begins as microscopic leakage eventually becomes cavities hidden beneath the metal.
Corrosion and Discolouration
While amalgam is durable, it corrodes slowly, releasing dark oxides that stain neighbouring tooth structure. Black or grey halos around a filling often indicate an aging seal.
Wear and Bite Changes
Tooth enamel also wears with age. Small shifts in bite force place extra pressure on older fillings, causing chipping or complete fracture.
Signs You Might Need Replacement
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
• A visible crack or chip in the filling or surrounding enamel
• Dark staining around the edges of a metal filling
• Roughness or a “catch” when you floss around the tooth
• Food consistently trapping in the same spot
• Sudden toothache or “zing” when biting down
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an evaluation. Early detection means simpler, less invasive repairs. A skilled dentist Waterdown can provide modern composite alternatives that restore both function and appearance—often in just one visit.
