When it comes to repairing cavities and damaged teeth, many patients opt for dental fillings. Dental fillings help restore the structure of the tooth as well as prevent further decay. As a result, you can find daily activities like chewing more comfortable. No wonder they are a popular choice.
If you are new to dental fillings, you must have one question to ask:
How long do dental fillings last?
There is no single, fixed answer. It depends on the type of material used, your oral hygiene habits, and how much wear and tear your teeth go through.
In this guide, we will be walking through the average lifespan of different filling materials, factors affecting durability, tooth filling cost considerations, and when you may need a crown instead. Let’s get started.
Understanding What Dental Fillings Do
Bacteria and acids damage your tooth enamel, leading to the formation of cavities. If it is not treated on time, the decay goes deeper, causing pain and infection. This is when you can consider dental fillings.
In this process, a dentist removes the decay and fills the cleaned space with a material that restores strength and shape. Dental fillings not only improve function but also lower the risk of further decay. With proper care, a filling can last for many years and sometimes even decades.
Average Lifespan of Different Types of Fillings
Not all dental fillings are the same. Their durability depends on the material used, each with its strengths, weaknesses, and cost differences.
- Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings (often called silver fillings) have been used for more than 100 years. They are made from a mix of metals like mercury, tin, silver, and copper.
- How long do they last?
Average amalgam fillings have a lifespan of 10-15 years, although with proper care, most can exceed 20 years.
- Why do they last long?
They are tough, cannot be chewed easily, and are not easily worn.
- Possible drawbacks:
They are silver colored, hence more noticeable in the mouth. Some patients choose tooth-colored due to cosmetic reasons.
- Tooth filling cost:
Amalgam fillings tend to be the cheapest and hence are suitable for large cavities.
- Composite Fillings
Made of resin, composite fillings match the natural shade of your teeth. They are the most preferred type as they look natural.
- How long do they last?
The composite fillings have a lifespan of 5-10 years.
- Benefits:
They blend with your tooth shade.
- Drawbacks:
They can wear out more quickly than metal ones, and they can be stained.
- Tooth filling cost:
Composite fillings tend to be more expensive than amalgam fillings and cheaper than porcelain fillings.
- Porcelain Fillings
Porcelain fillings, also known as inlays or onlays, are custom-made restorations designed to fit your tooth perfectly. They are known for their durability and attractive appearance.
- How long do they last?
With proper care, porcelain fillings have a life span of 10-20 years and beyond.
- Strengths:
They are strong, appear natural, and are mostly resistant to staining.
- Drawbacks:
They require some follow-ups with the dentist and could be costly.
- Tooth filling cost:
Porcelain fillings are usually the most costly as they are made in a dental lab.
Factors That Affect How Long Dental Fillings Last
Even the best filling won’t last forever. Several factors affect durability:
Size of the Filling
Small dental fillings have a longer life span as they do not incorporate much of the tooth. They are more prone to breaking down because of large fillings.
Your Oral Hygiene Habits
The decay around the filling can be prevented by brushing twice a day, flossing, and using fluoride toothpaste.
Diet and Eating Habits
Eating ice, biting hard candies, or gritting teeth puts an additional strain on fillings. They may also loosen with sticky foods over time.
A healthy diet that includes less sugary food will prevent your fillings from failing prematurely.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Dental fillings wear out more quickly due to grinding or clenching. Or you can wear a night guard if you cannot resist that urge while sleeping (sleep bruxism).
Type of Filling Material
As discussed above, the amalgam fillings are the most durable; composite fillings are moderately durable; and porcelain fillings are durable and aesthetic.
Signs Your Dental Filling Needs to Be Replaced
Dental fillings don’t last forever, so it’s important to know the warning signs of a failing restoration:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Pain when you chew
- Visible cracks or dark spots around the filling
- A filling that feels loose or has fallen out
- Rough or sharp edges
If you experience any of these symptoms, make sure to see your dentist. Delaying treatment can aggravate the decay, making the repair more challenging.
Filling vs Crown: When Do You Need a Crown Instead?
Sometimes a filling is no longer enough to restore a tooth. As decay becomes deeper or the tooth becomes weaker, a crown may be the better choice. Here is a quick comparison to help you decide between fillings and a crown.
A filling is suitable when:
- The cavity is small or medium-sized.
- There is sufficient natural tooth structure.
- The tooth is robust enough to hold the filling.
A crown is recommended when:
- The tooth has a big hole.
- It has a fracture or intensive wear.
- A history has broken down on several occasions.
- A root canal requires additional protection for the tooth.
How to Make Your Dental Fillings Last Longer
No matter which material you choose, good care can extend the life of your dental fillings. Here are some simple habits to follow:
Brush and Floss Regularly
Oral hygiene will prevent the formation of new cavities around your existing fillings. Brush twice per day, floss every day, and apply a fluoride mouthwash as prescribed by your dentist.
See Your Dentist Once Every 6 Months
Regular examinations enable your dentist to identify the early signs of damage. This enables the small issues to be addressed before they develop into serious issues.
Avoid Biting Hard Objects
Avoid chewing ice, pens, and extremely hard snacks. These may lead to tiny cracks in your dental fillings.
Manage Teeth Grinding
In case you grind your teeth, wear a bespoke night guard. It helps to protect your fillings, and it helps in avoiding wear due to clenching.
Select the Appropriate Filling Material
Depending on the size of the cavity, the position of the cavity, and the budget, your dentist helps you make a decision on whether to use composite fillings, porcelain fillings, or amalgam fillings.
The choice of the appropriate material prolongs the life of your restoration.
Final Thoughts
So, how long do dental fillings last? Hope this blog has helped you find the right answer. It all depends on a lot of factors, like the material chosen, your oral habits, and the maintenance of your teeth.
Amalgam fillings and porcelain fillings are usually durable, and composite fillings have a moderate longevity of up to 10 years. If you are looking to opt for a dental filling, do let us know at Jain Dental Care. We will guide you to the right options.
FAQs
How long do dental fillings last?
On average, a filling can last between 5 – 15 years, depending on the type of material used & how well it is cared for.
Which type of dental filling lasts the longest?
Since amalgam fillings are strong & durable, they generally provide the greatest durability.
How do I know when a filling needs to be replaced?
If you experience sensitivity, discomfort while chewing, cracks, rough edges, or looseness of the filling, then your filling should be replaced.
Why do some fillings fail sooner than expected?
A filling may have an early failure rate due to poor oral hygiene habits, excessive grinding of the teeth, large cavities, or excessive wear from hard/sticky foods.
How can I make my dental fillings last longer?
Brushing twice daily, getting regular check-ups, not chewing hard foods, & seeking treatment for teeth grinding are ways to help your fillings last longer.