If you’ve ever had a cavity, you have probably had a filling too. Dental fillings are the most sought-after procedures in the dental world to treat a hole in your tooth. They restore teeth damaged by decay, injury, or normal wear and tear. But have you ever thought about how long fillings last in the tooth? The answer is indefinite because it depends on the material used.
Usually, dental fillings can last 5 to 10 years, but some may stay put for about 20 or more with proper care.
What are Fillings?
First things first, you must know what they are. A filling is a dental restoration item to repair cavities or damaged teeth. During this procedure, the dental experts remove the decayed or damaged tooth area, simultaneously filling the resulting hole with the help of a material such as composite resin, amalgam, gold, or porcelain.
The filling materials restore your tooth’s functionality preventing further decay or damage.
How Long Do Fillings Last?
The longevity of a filling is dependent on several factors, such as the filling applied, filler location, your oral hygiene habits, and finally, the extent of wear and tear on the filling.
In general, composite resin fillings last between 5 and 7 years, while amalgam fillings stay best for up to 15 years or more. On the other hand, gold and porcelain fillings can last even longer, up to 20 years or more.
However, you must note that they do not last forever. They wear down, crack, or even fall out over time. This leads to further decay or damage, which may need additional treatment.
Therefore, it is a good idea and crucial to check your fillings regularly with your dentist to ensure they’re still in good condition.
How to Make Them Last Longer
While they may not last forever, you can practice these methods to make them last as long as possible.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least 2 times daily and floss once. Topping it off with a mouthwash to help prevent decay and gum disease is a great idea.
Avoid Eating Hard Foods: Chewing on hard foods like ice, popcorn, or hard candy damages fillings and can even break teeth. Stick to softer foods to protect your teeth.
Get a Mouthguard: If you have the habit of grinding your teeth or playing sports, wear a mouthguard for protection.
Regular Dental Visits: Getting your filling examined for wear and tear helps in the early detection of issues that may become bigger problems.
Types of Dental Fillings
Each filling material has its own benefits and drawbacks. Here are the most common types of fillings:
Composite Resin Filling: These tooth-colored fillings are made of plastic and glass mix. They are extensively popular since they blend in with the natural color of the teeth. This makes dental filling nearly invisible. They are easy to apply and require less drilling.
Amalgam Filling: These fillings do not work in stealth mode. They are made of a mixture of metals, namely, silver, tin, copper, and mercury. They are durable and long-lasting, but they are less popular since they show.
Gold Filling: Gold alloy’s filling material is highly durable and lasts as long as you can think of. However, they are very expensive and highly visible, making them not a good choice.
Final Note
You can get in touch with the dental care experts from Sair Dental for more information on cavities and the types of filling best suited for you. We are located at 8410 Fondren Road, Houston, TX, 77074. Give us a call: (832) 924-2666 And 10345 Club Creek Dr, Houston, TX 77036; contact by dialing (281) 558-1199