How Long Do Fillings Last?

When having a filling placed, it is important to have your questions answered about "How long do fillings last?" Selecting the filling material that works best for you should involve consideration regarding the appearance, durability, longevity and cost of that particular solution. With that in mind, there are several factors that work together to determine the longevity of a filling.

Type of material

There are several types of fillings, including:

#1. Tooth-colored resin

These look the most natural and blend in with the surrounding teeth but may need to be replaced every seven to 10 years. However, with proper care, some people have kept resin fillings far longer.

#2. Silver/amalgam

The average silver filling lasts for around 15 years. These fillings are common but they are also the most likely to stand out in the mouth since the silver color looks nothing like natural teeth.

#3. Gold

These fillings are the most expensive but can also last the longest, up to 30 years. In many cases, gold fillings will last at least 15 years.

Daily routine

A person's daily routine will influence how long fillings last.  It is necessary to care for the teeth and gums, even teeth that have a dental filling. Brushing and flossing twice per day is an important step in that process. It is also necessary to eat and drink foods that are good for the teeth and not likely to cause erosion or damage. People need to avoid soda, acidic and processed foods. Also, biting down on something too hard can damage a filling, just like a natural tooth.

Oral health

Those suffering from extensive oral health problems may find that fillings do not last as long. A filling is placed after the dental decay has been removed from the tooth. If that tooth and the surrounding area continues to remain in average or good oral health, the filling is likely to last far longer.

However, if that tooth suffers additional damage or decay, the actual tooth structure could change and the filling may no longer be sufficient for preserving the area where the decay once was. Essentially, that space can become enlarged and the filling becomes too small.

The best way to avoid this happening is to visit the dentist twice a year for a tooth cleaning and examination to ensure that the tooth continues to remain healthy and that the filling remains large enough to restore the tooth structure. If it is becoming too small and loose, it is necessary to either repair or replaces it right away so that food and plaque cannot become trapped in there, causing an infection.

Visit our clinic

For more answers to your questions or for help improving your oral health, call our clinic and schedule an appointment. While here, we can discuss your particular situation and provide an even more detailed answer for "How long do fillings last?" If you already have dental fillings, visiting our clinic is an important step in helping your fillings last longer.