How To Know If Grey Fillings Need Replacement In Maple Ridge

If you had dental work years ago, there’s a good chance you still have some silver-looking material in a few of your teeth. These are known as grey fillings for teeth, and while they’ve held up well over the years, they don’t last forever. Over time, they can start to crack or shift, often without you even noticing right away.

For a lot of people in Maple Ridge, winter is a slower season, which makes it a smart time to pay attention to small tooth issues that may have gone unnoticed in the rush of summer or fall. Since older fillings can change with the cold, this season may bring a good chance to check in on what’s happening beneath the surface.

What Are Grey Fillings and Why Were They Common?

Grey fillings are commonly made from a material called dental amalgam. This type of filling has been used for decades and is made of a mix of metals, like silver, tin, and mercury. When placed inside the tooth, this mixture hardens into a strong, solid patch that seals up whatever decay or cavity was removed.

They were popular because they’re durable. For back molars, where chewing force is strongest, a tough material like this was a reliable go-to for long-term fixes. In fact, many people still have grey fillings from dental work done 20 or 30 years ago.

These days, though, dentists have a wider range of material choices. Tooth-colored options like composite resin are more common now, especially in visible parts of the mouth. They’re less noticeable and can bond differently to the tooth itself, which sometimes makes them more appealing.

But just because grey fillings were tough does not mean they last forever. Over time, temperature changes, wear, and daily biting can all take a toll.

Signs Your Grey Fillings Might Be Wearing Out

Even if your fillings seem fine on the surface, small changes can be a sign they’re no longer working like they should.

• If a filling feels sharp, cracked, or like it does not line up the way it used to with your bite, it may be shifting.
• Sensitivity to hot drinks like coffee or tea, or cold ones like water or juice, could point to a gap or thin spot in the filling.
• A dark line between the tooth and the filling could mean it is pulling away from the sides, letting bacteria slip underneath.

Small chips or cracks in a filling can be easy to miss, which is why regular check-ins make a big difference. If the filling loses its seal, it can leave space for decay to start again, even if you’re brushing and flossing every day.

At home, you might notice a filling that suddenly feels rougher than usual or food getting stuck in places it didn’t before. These small signs are worth mentioning the next time you come in.

Why Cold Weather Can Expose Problems with Metal Fillings

Winter in Maple Ridge can be chilly, and cold air or hot food can make worn-out fillings more noticeable. That is because metal fillings react to temperature. When you sip something cold or warm up with a hot soup, the metal inside your tooth can expand or contract.

Over months or years, that back-and-forth movement causes tiny shifts. Those invisible changes may lead to:

• Small cracks inside the tooth.
• Gaps around the edges of the filling.
• Pressure on the surrounding parts of your tooth.

As this happens, it might not cause pain right away. But during winter, in colder months like January or February, you are more likely to notice little flare-ups of sensitivity or discomfort, especially with certain foods.

If brushing your teeth on a cold morning sparks a twinge or a bite of something hot triggers a zing, it could be worth checking whether your fillings are still holding strong.

When to Ask Your Dentist About Replacement

Not all problems with fillings are obvious, which is why regular dental visits matter. Sometimes a tooth can look totally fine, but an X-ray may show that the area under the filling has started to decay again.

Here are a few situations when someone might talk to us about replacement:

• You feel like a filling has changed in shape or a sharp edge has formed.
• You have had your grey fillings for more than a decade and have not had them checked in a while.
• You have experienced more sensitivity than usual, even if it comes and goes.

During a check-up, we can take a careful look at the entire tooth. If anything looks concerning, we will check how deep it goes and talk about options for moving forward. These days, more people are choosing materials that seal well and blend in better with the rest of their smile.

Advanced options at Kanaka Creek Dental include strong, natural-looking fillings that are custom shaded and bonded for each patient. This means your replacement filling is designed to blend in with your other teeth and stay comfortable over time.

Replacing older fillings is really about comfort, fit, and keeping your mouth as healthy as possible.

How Replacing Old Fillings Can Comfort Your Smile

When a filling isn't doing its job anymore, replacing it can bring a real sense of relief. No more sudden zaps from your morning coffee. No more chewing on one side to avoid a sore spot. And no more worrying whether something is starting to break down under the surface.

• Newer materials are often shaped to better match your natural bite.
• Tooth-colored options can blend in with your other teeth.
• A snug, re-sealed fit helps keep out germs and prevents new problems from starting.

Even if you do not feel any pain right now, having older fillings checked and possibly replaced can prevent cracks from spreading or bacteria from sneaking in. That peace of mind goes a long way, especially when your fillings have been in place for a long time.

Keep Your Smile Strong All Year Long

Even if your grey fillings for teeth have held up until now, it is still a good idea to keep an eye on them as the seasons change. What seems like a small issue, like extra cold sensitivity or a tiny chip, can be the early sign that a filling is wearing out.

At Kanaka Creek Dental, our Maple Ridge team uses digital X-rays to spot hidden problems under existing fillings, making it easier to catch issues early before they become bigger. If it’s time for a new filling, we offer several options that are matched to your tooth’s shape and color for a smoother, natural look.

By staying aware of how your fillings feel and bringing up anything new or different, you are doing the small things that help avoid bigger dental problems later. A strong filling is more than just a patch, it is what helps your whole mouth feel steady, healthy, and ready for whatever comes next.

At Kanaka Creek Dental, we know that rough or sensitive grey fillings for teeth can become more noticeable during the colder months in Maple Ridge. Winter is the perfect time to let us assess your fillings and recommend the right solution to keep your smile healthy, whether you need a quick touch-up or a full replacement. See how we handle grey fillings for teeth with options designed to protect your smile and fit your bite. Book your appointment today at a time that works for you.