Cold winter mornings in Maple Ridge can do more than just chill your nose. You might also notice your teeth feel a little more sensitive than usual, especially when sipping something hot or breathing in the crisp outdoor air. For people with metal tooth fillings, these colder months can bring out small signs of wear that you may not notice during warmer seasons.
Metal tooth fillings have been around for decades, helping keep smiles strong by patching up cavities. But like anything used daily, they can wear down over time. As dentists, winter is often when we start to hear more people mention little problems like zaps of pain or fillings that just don’t feel smooth anymore. Paying attention to these changes now can save you a lot of discomfort later.
What Are Metal Fillings and Why Were They So Common
Metal fillings, also known as amalgam fillings, have been used in dentistry for a very long time. They’re made by mixing several metals together, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. Once placed, they harden into a sturdy material that can stand up to years of chewing and biting.
They were popular with dentists for a simple reason: they’re tough. Especially for back teeth that do most of the chewing, a strong filling helps keep everything in place for the long haul. These fillings don’t blend in with natural tooth color, but they last.
The metal bonds inside the tooth in a way that holds up under pressure. Still, as time moves on, the materials inside your mouth are always facing heat, cold, and motion from eating and brushing. All of that can cause older fillings to shift.
How Metal Fillings Change Over the Years
Teeth and fillings go through a lot every day, even when they're doing their job just right. Over time, that daily strain adds up. With metal tooth fillings, there’s one extra factor: temperature changes.
Since metal can expand and shrink with heat and cold, every cup of coffee or cold sip of water gives the filling a small push or pull. That movement might seem tiny, but over a few years, it can start to affect how well the filling fits.
Here’s what can happen during that slow shift over time:
• Tiny spaces can open between the tooth and the filling.
• Weak points may develop that lead to cracks or chips.
• Pressure spots may form when you bite, causing discomfort or uneven wear.
Once a gap opens, even if it’s not visible, bacteria can sneak in and start to create new decay under the filling. That’s why small issues, if ignored, can turn into something more serious.
Signs a Metal Filling Might Be Wearing Out
It’s not always easy to know when a filling needs help. Most of the time, the signs start small. But if you’re paying attention, there are a few things that might tell you a filling isn’t holding up like it used to.
Watch for changes like:
• A sudden sharp feeling when eating or drinking hot or cold items.
• A rough spot that wasn’t there before.
• Food catching more often in one part of your mouth.
• Mild pain or discomfort when chewing on one side.
Even if these symptoms come and go, it’s worth bringing them up during your next dental visit. We’ve had many patients say, “it didn’t seem important,” only to find later that a hidden crack had formed. Those small updates you notice are helpful clues that let us catch problems early.
Why Winter Is a Smart Time to Get Fillings Checked in Maple Ridge
Maple Ridge winters may not be the coldest in the country, but that drop in temperature still affects our teeth. The cooler air passing over sensitive teeth and metal fillings can make them feel more reactive. You might only notice those twinges now that fall has passed.
Winter also comes at a quieter time for many families. Holidays are over, and life often slows down just enough to get back on top of things like routine checkups.
This time of year is actually one of the best to check for signs of wear because:
• Temperature shifts make sensitive spots more noticeable.
• Schedules are often easier to manage after the holidays.
• Winter air and warm foods tend to highlight weak spots in older fillings.
If you’ve had the same metal fillings for years, it’s possible they’ve changed without showing early signs. Catching those changes now means fewer surprises later.
What Dentists Look For Before Replacing a Filling
Fillings don’t always give away their problems at first glance. When we check metal tooth fillings, we’re looking at more than the surface.
We often start with a visual check, looking for cracks or wear along the edges. We also ask about changes in bite or temperature sensitivity. If needed, we use digital X-rays to see what’s happening under and around the filling, something we do here at Kanaka Creek Family Dental.
Some signs that a filling might need replacing include:
• A gap between the filling and the tooth.
• Dark spots under the filling that hint at hidden decay.
• Small fractures in the tooth near the filled area.
If it does need to come out, newer options give us more flexibility with materials and fit. That gives the tooth a better seal going forward and can sometimes make the filled area feel more natural when you bite down.
Keep Your Smile Safe as the Season Changes
As the weather changes, so can the way our teeth feel. For many people, older fillings stay quiet until the cold brings out their weak points. It’s an easy time to notice things like extra chill when drinking water or odd little bites that don’t feel quite right.
Paying attention to those clues and showing up for regular visits helps keep small problems from turning into more serious repairs. Your teeth are working all the time to keep up with what you need them to do. Giving them a quick check when the signs show is one of the simplest ways to stay ahead.
We offer several options for filling replacement at Kanaka Creek Family Dental, from metal to tooth-colored materials, and we use digital scanning to make your appointment more comfortable and efficient.
Noticing changes in your bite or feeling a twinge while enjoying winter drinks can be early signs that your metal tooth fillings need attention. Our team at Kanaka Creek Family Dental is here to help you stay ahead of any issues with thorough exams and personalized recommendations for your smile. Call us today to schedule your next appointment and keep your dental health on track.