Cracked or Painful Silver Fillings: When Replacement Is the Right Call

Metal fillings should be replaced when they crack, cause pain while chewing, feel rough or loose, trap food, or allow decay to form underneath. Even if there is no constant pain, worn or damaged silver fillings can weaken the tooth over time, increasing the risk of fractures and more complex dental treatment. Replacing metal fillings early helps protect the tooth and prevent further damage.

Key Takeaways

• Silver (amalgam) fillings are durable but not permanent. Over time, repeated exposure to hot and cold foods causes them to expand and contract, which can lead to cracks in both the filling and the surrounding tooth.
• Pain when chewing, biting pressure discomfort, or new sensitivity are often early warning signs that a metal filling is no longer sealing the tooth properly or that a crack has formed beneath it.
• When a silver filling cracks or loosens, it can place added stress on the natural tooth, increasing the risk of fractures that extend beyond the filling itself.
• Replacing metal fillings early helps stabilize the tooth, stop cracks from spreading, and reduce the chance of decay forming underneath the old filling.
• Delaying replacement can allow minor damage to progress into larger structural problems, which may require more complex treatments such as crowns or root canal therapy.

Do you have old silver fillings and feel sharp pain when biting, or notice rough edges with your tongue? Many patients worry that something is wrong but aren’t sure whether it’s serious enough to act on.

Here’s the clear answer upfront: cracked or worn silver fillings are a common reason for replacing metal fillings, and waiting too long can allow damage to spread to the surrounding tooth. Silver (amalgam) fillings are durable, but they are not permanent. Over time, they expand, contract, and weaken the tooth structure around them.

This guide explains how to recognize the warning signs, what happens if cracks are ignored, and when replacing metal fillings becomes necessary to protect your tooth.

Why Old Silver Fillings Eventually Fail

Silver (amalgam) fillings expand and contract with temperature changes from food and drinks. Over years, this constant movement places stress on the surrounding tooth enamel.

As a result:

• Small cracks can form around or under the filling.
• The tooth may weaken even if the filling looks intact.
• Bacteria can seep into tiny gaps, causing decay beneath the filling.

This is why dentists often recommend replacing metal fillings that are old, cracked, or showing signs of wear, even if they don’t hurt yet.

Common Signs a Silver Filling Is Cracked or Failing

Pain When Biting or Chewing

One of the most common warning signs is sharp or sudden pain when chewing, especially on one side. This often means the tooth has developed a crack around the filling. The pressure of biting causes the crack to flex, triggering pain.

This type of discomfort is a strong indicator that replacing metal fillings should be evaluated soon.

Sensitivity to Hot or Cold

If a tooth with a silver filling suddenly becomes sensitive to hot or cold foods, it may mean the seal between the filling and tooth has broken down. This allows temperature changes to reach the inner tooth layers.

While sensitivity alone doesn’t always mean replacement is urgent, new or worsening sensitivity is a sign the filling may no longer be protecting the tooth.

Rough or Sharp Edges

Running your tongue over a filling that feels rough, chipped, or sharp is another red flag. This usually means part of the filling or surrounding tooth has fractured.

Once edges break down, bacteria can enter easily, making replacing metal fillings more urgent.

Visible Cracks or Dark Lines

Sometimes cracks are visible as dark lines around the filling or extending into the tooth. Even small cracks can spread quickly under chewing pressure.

These cracks often worsen silently before causing major pain, which is why early detection matters.

Food Getting Stuck Around the Filling

If food consistently gets trapped around a silver filling, the margins may be breaking down. This can lead to decay forming underneath the filling, often without obvious symptoms at first.

What Happens If a Cracked Filling Is Ignored

Delaying treatment doesn’t usually keep things stable, it allows damage to progress.

Over time:

• Cracks can deepen and spread through the tooth.
• Decay may form under the filling.
• The tooth may fracture, requiring a crown or root canal.
• In severe cases, the tooth may no longer be savable.

Early replacing metal fillings is often simpler and far less invasive than repairing advanced damage.

When Replacement Is Strongly Recommended

Dentists typically recommend replacing metal fillings when

• Cracks are present in the tooth or filling.
• Pain occurs during chewing.
• Decay is detected under the filling.
• The filling is very old and no longer sealed properly.

Replacement is not just about appearance, it’s about restoring strength and preventing further breakdown.

What Replacing Metal Fillings Involves

Replacing a metal filling usually involves removing the old material, cleaning the area, and restoring the tooth with a new filling material that seals more effectively.

In some cases, if the tooth is significantly weakened, additional reinforcement may be recommended to protect it from future fractures.

The goal of replacing metal fillings is to restore function, comfort, and long-term tooth health.

Conclusion: Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

Old silver fillings don’t fail overnight, but when they start cracking, the damage can progress quickly.

If you’re experiencing pain, sensitivity, or changes around an old filling, replacing metal fillings early can protect your tooth and prevent more complex treatment later.

We believe addressing small problems early is the best way to preserve long-term dental health. If something feels off, it’s worth having it checked before a minor issue becomes a major one.

FAQs

How long do silver fillings last before they start causing problems?

Silver (amalgam) fillings typically last 10 to 20 years, but longevity depends heavily on where the filling is placed and how much biting force it absorbs. Fillings in back teeth often wear out faster because they handle more chewing pressure. Even if a silver filling looks intact, it can still cause problems underneath, such as small cracks in the tooth or gaps that allow bacteria in. That’s why older fillings are often evaluated for replacement before pain starts, not after.

What happens if you keep a cracked silver filling too long?

Keeping a cracked silver filling can allow the crack to spread into the natural tooth structure. As the filling expands and contracts, it places stress on the weakened tooth, increasing the risk of a larger fracture. Over time, bacteria can enter through tiny gaps, leading to decay beneath the filling. While this isn’t always an immediate emergency, delaying replacement often turns a simple fix into a more complex treatment.

Can a cracked metal filling damage the tooth nerve?

Yes, it can. When cracks form around or under a silver filling, bacteria may slowly reach deeper layers of the tooth. This can irritate the pulp (nerve), causing inflammation or infection. Early signs may include lingering sensitivity or discomfort when biting.

Should I replace metal fillings even if they don’t hurt?

Yes, you should. Sometimes, fillings can crack or get worn out without hurting. Dentists suggest replacing them to keep your tooth safe from bigger problems later.