Dental fillings are some of the most commonly used restorative treatments available for patients struggling with decay. Known for their ability to restore oral function, many offer improved aesthetics and durability as well. If your dentist has recently recommended that you receive a dental filling, you may begin to ask many questions about treatment, including how long you can expect it to last. Read on to learn what factors can determine the longevity of your restoration, as well as how your commitment to proper care can shorten or lengthen its lifespan.
How Does a Filling’s Material Affect Its Lifespan?
There are several materials dentists can use when providing a dental filling: gold, composite, porcelain, or silver amalgam. Each possesses its own benefits; however, it’s more common for dental professionals to use tooth-colored or composite resin to fill teeth because of the natural-looking aesthetic it provides.
The material your dentist chooses can have a significant impact on your filling’s longevity, though. For example:
- Gold has an average lifespan of 15-30 years
- Silver amalgam can last 10-15 years
- Composite and porcelain fillings only last 5-7 years, with some remaining fully functional for at least 10
Although it may be tempting to go with the material that lasts the longest, if you are like most people, you prefer a less visible option – one that blends in nicely with the rest of your smile, like composite.
Crafted from a resin, which is a mixture of ultra-fine glass and plastic particles, these fillings offer what no other solution can – a more beautiful aesthetic. They may not last as long, but they require less tooth structure removal, and they do not expand when exposed to heat, reducing the risk of sensitivity and possible breakage in the future.
How to Know When to Replace Your Filling
Since dental fillings are not meant to last forever, they will need to be replaced over time. Your dentist will likely be the one to determine when it’s time for a new restoration, especially if they notice that your filling:
- Is cracked or chipped
- Is separating from your tooth
- Is allowing bacteria to re-enter your tooth
- Is causing you to experience tooth sensitivity and pain
Ways to Extend the Lifespan of Dental Fillings
If you want to make sure you get the most out of your investment in dental fillings, you’ll need to:
- Practice brushing twice daily for two minutes, as well as flossing at least once a day and rinsing your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash.
- Limit your consumption (or avoid) stain-causing foods and beverages if you want to reduce the potential risk of discoloration over time.
- Give up smoking and other unhealthy habits that can stain or damage your teeth and/or fillings (i.e., eating ice, opening items with your teeth, etc.).
- Visit your dentist every six months for dental checkups and cleanings.
Your smile deserves optimal protection, so make sure you’re taking the appropriate steps to keep your dental fillings lasting longer.
About the Author
Dr. Ishwinder Saran is a trusted dentist who cares deeply about his patients. He and his team at LIC Dental Associates strive to help individuals avoid cavities and other common issues by providing safe and effective preventive services. However, when decay does form, resulting in a patient’s need for a dental filling, he can make sure the appropriate materials are used to ensure greater oral function and aesthetics over time. If you want to learn how to prolong the life of your filling, contact us at (718) 530-6539.