How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?

Dental fillings are a standard procedure used to repair teeth that cavities have damaged. One could probably not survive adulthood without needing at least one dental filling. Cavities over time can develop from consuming too much sugar, not getting enough fluoride, or not practicing good oral care, but they are inevitable. Fillings are used to restore decayed teeth. But how long do dental fillings last? And what should you do if they start to wear down or fall out? In this blog post, we’ll answer those questions and more. So if you’re curious about dental fillings, keep reading!

Importance of Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are an important part of oral health care. They are used to fill in areas of the natural teeth that have been damaged by cavities or other types of decay. Cavity-causing bacteria produce acid, which dissolves the tooth enamel. If left untreated, the bacteria can penetrate deep into the tooth and cause infection.

Fillings help to protect the teeth from further damage and restore their function and appearance. They are made from various materials, including resin, porcelain, gold, and silver. The type of material used will depend on the location of the filling and on the patient’s individual needs and preferences.

If tooth decay has set in, a filling operation will be suggested as a means of repair. To restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay, a dentist will first drill out the affected area before filling the resulting cavity with a temporary material. This material is typically crafted from:

• Gold Fillings
• Amalgam Fillings
• Composite Fillings (or composite resin fillings)
• Porcelain Fillings

Types of Dental Fillings

There are four major categories of fillings, but only two are commonly used: amalgam and composite.

Amalgam Fillings

Some people may refer to these as “silver fillings,” but they include a combination of metals. They contain elemental mercury and silver, copper, and tin alloy particles.

There is a potential for toxicity with mercury amalgam fillings. If you fall into any of the following categories, you should avoid getting mercury amalgam fillings:

• suffer from a neurological disorder or kidney disease;
• are under the age of 6;
• are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding;
• or allergic to mercury.

Composite Fillings

Composite filling materials can also be utilized to restore cracks or chips in teeth or to close minor spacing issues. Patients choose composite fillings because you can closely match the material’s color to that of the patient’s natural teeth. Their composition includes both acrylic and ceramic resins. A 2010 study found that they typically endure for seven years. 2014 research indicates that if fillings are smaller and patients maintain good oral health with proper care, they can last for ten years or more.

Gold Fillings

Gold dental fillings are a popular choice among people looking for tooth-colored restoration. They are durable, long-lasting, and look great. Plus, gold is also non-toxic and biologically compatible with the human body.

That said, there are a few downsides to gold fillings. First of all, they are more expensive than other types of fillings. Second of all, they can’t be used in every situation – for example, gold fillings aren’t recommended for back teeth because they may not be strong enough to withstand the chewing forces.

If you’re interested in getting a gold filling, consult with your dentist to see if it’s the right choice for you.

Porcelain or Ceramic Fillings

Ceramic fillings, produced from porcelain, can last as long as 15 years or more.

These fillings are considerably more expensive than gold restorations and are thus rarely used. Dental laboratories or milling machines are necessary to fabricate ceramic fillings, which must be bonded into the tooth. Fillings manufactured of glass ionomer, combining glass and acrylic, can be connected directly to the tooth.

Because of their fragility, these fillings are reserved for small cavities along the gumline rather than the chewing surfaces of teeth. The average lifespan is between 5 and 10 years.

When To Replace My Fillings?

Depending on the filling’s location, size, and how well you care for your teeth, its lifespan can range from seven to twenty years.

Dental fillings are incredibly resilient. As you eat, your filling is broken down. If your filling begins to lose, food can accumulate in the space and accelerate the deterioration process.

Since this is the case, seeing the dentist regularly is more important than ever. If you see your dentist every six months, you can prevent a minor problem with your filling from developing into a major one. Patients who put off getting their fillings checked risk having their teeth extracted or undergoing a root canal treatment.

How long do dental fillings last? 

The average dental filling lasts anywhere from 5 to 10 years. However, the lifespan of a dental filling can vary depending on the type of material used and how well you take care of your teeth.

If you have a silver amalgam filling, it will usually last 5 to 7 years. Composite resin fillings typically last 8 to 10 years, but they may not be as durable as silver amalgam fillings. If you have a gold filling, it will usually last 10 to 12 years.

To ensure your dental fillings last as long as possible, brush and floss your teeth regularly and see your dentist for regular checkups.

Read more: Can Dental Veneers Replace Missing Teeth?

Call Smile Fort Wayne To Learn More

Call Smile Fort Wayne to learn more about dental fillings and how they can help improve your oral health. Our team of dentists is here to answer any questions you may have about the procedure and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not dental fillings are right for you.