Dental fillings are one of the most common dental procedures, with millions of people receiving them each year to treat cavities and protect their teeth. Understanding how long these restorations last can help patients make informed decisions about their dental care and maintain their oral health effectively.
Getting a filling may seem routine, but knowing what to expect in terms of longevity and maintenance can significantly impact your dental health. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about tooth filling durability, from different materials to factors affecting their lifespan.
What is a Tooth Filling?
A tooth filling is a dental restoration procedure where a dentist removes decayed tooth material and fills the resulting cavity with a special material to restore the tooth’s shape, function, and integrity. During the procedure, the dentist first cleans out the decay, prepares the space, and then carefully places and shapes the filling material to match the tooth’s natural contours. This restoration helps prevent further decay while allowing normal biting and chewing function.
4 Common conditions treated with tooth fillings include:
- Dental Caries (Cavities) – The most common reason for fillings, when decay has created holes in the tooth structure that need to be cleaned and filled to prevent further damage.
- Cracked or Broken Teeth – Small cracks or chips in teeth can be repaired with fillings to prevent further damage and restore the tooth’s appearance.
- Worn Teeth – Teeth that have been worn down from grinding (bruxism) or other habits may need fillings to restore their proper shape and protect the remaining tooth structure.
- Old Filling Replacement – When existing fillings become worn, damaged, or begin to fail, they need to be replaced with new ones to maintain tooth health.
5 Types of Tooth Fillings and Their Longevity
Amalgam Fillings
Traditional silver amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of metals including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. These fillings are known for their strength and durability, typically lasting 10-15 years or more with proper care. Amalgam fillings are particularly resistant to wear and are often used in back teeth where strong chewing forces require a more durable material.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are made from a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles that match the natural color of teeth. These tooth-colored fillings typically last 5-10 years and are ideal for visible areas of the mouth. While they may not last as long as amalgam fillings, their aesthetic appeal and ability to bond directly to the tooth structure make them increasingly popular.
Gold Fillings
Cast gold fillings are made from a mixture of gold and other metals. These are among the most durable options, often lasting 20 years or more. Gold fillings are extremely strong and well-tolerated by gum tissue, though their high cost and visible appearance make them less common than other options.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
Glass ionomer fillings are made from acrylic and glass particles. They typically last about 5 years and are often used for fillings below the gum line or in young children’s teeth. These fillings have the unique advantage of releasing fluoride, which helps protect against future decay.
Ceramic Fillings
Ceramic fillings, made from porcelain, combine durability with aesthetic appeal. They can last 15 years or more with proper care and resist staining better than composite fillings. However, they are more expensive than other options and require more tooth preparation during placement.
How to Make Your Tooth Filling Last
- Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Pay special attention to areas around tooth fillings, as these spots can be more susceptible to new decay if not properly cleaned.
- Floss Daily: Thread floss carefully around tooth fillings to remove food particles and plaque. Use a gentle sawing motion rather than snapping the floss between teeth, which could damage or dislodge fillings.
- Use a Mouthguard for Teeth Grinding: Protect tooth fillings from excessive wear by wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night. Grinding can significantly reduce the lifespan of fillings and cause them to crack or become loose.
- Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: Limit consumption of extremely hard foods like ice or hard candy that can crack fillings. Stay away from sticky candies that might pull at fillings or cause them to become loose.
- Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit the dentist every six months for professional cleanings and to have tooth fillings checked for wear or damage. Early detection of problems can prevent more serious issues from developing.
- Address Issues Promptly: Don’t ignore symptoms like sensitivity, pain, or rough edges around fillings. Contact a dentist immediately if a filling feels loose or falls out to prevent further damage to the tooth.
- Rinse After Acidic Foods: Protect tooth fillings by rinsing with water after consuming acidic foods or beverages. This helps neutralize acids that can weaken both natural tooth structure and filling materials.
- Use the Right Tools: Choose appropriate dental care tools, such as the correct size interdental brushes or water flossers, to clean effectively around fillings without causing damage.
7 Signs Your Filling Needs Replacement
Tooth Sensitivity or Pain
When a tooth filling begins to fail, patients often experience increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet substances. This discomfort occurs because the filling no longer properly seals and protects the tooth’s inner layers. The pain might be sharp and immediate when consuming certain foods or drinks, or it could manifest as a lingering ache that persists even after the stimulus is removed.
Visible Damage or Wear
Physical signs of wear on tooth fillings can appear as visible cracks, chips, or worn-down areas in the filling material. Sometimes, dark lines may develop along the edges where the filling meets the tooth, indicating that the seal has been compromised. Regular dental check-ups help identify these issues before they lead to more serious problems.
Rough or Jagged Edges
A filling that develops rough spots or jagged edges might catch on your tongue or feel unusual when you run your tongue over it. These texture changes often indicate that the filling material has begun to deteriorate or that pieces have broken away. Such irregularities can also trap food particles and bacteria, potentially leading to new decay.
Changes in Bite Alignment
If a tooth filling becomes worn or damaged, it may affect how your teeth come together when biting. Patients might notice their bite feels different, or they might hit that tooth first when closing their mouth. This misalignment can lead to discomfort and potential damage to other teeth if not addressed promptly.
Dark Spots or Discoloration
Discoloration around or under a tooth filling often signals that new decay has developed beneath or around the restoration. The appearance of dark spots, particularly around the edges of the filling, may indicate that bacteria have penetrated the seal between the filling and tooth structure.
Loose or Missing Pieces
When a filling becomes loose or pieces start to fall out, immediate dental attention is necessary. This situation leaves the tooth vulnerable to decay and infection. Even if the filling hasn’t completely fallen out, any movement or looseness indicates that the restoration has failed and needs replacement.
Consistent Food Trapping
When food consistently gets stuck around a particular tooth filling, it might indicate that the filling has developed gaps or has worn down unevenly. These areas not only trap food but also create perfect environments for bacteria to thrive, potentially leading to new cavities or infections.
Conclusion
Understanding the lifespan of tooth fillings and how to maintain them properly is essential for long-term dental health. Different filling materials offer various benefits and longevity, but their success ultimately depends on proper care and maintenance. Regular check-ups and good oral hygiene habits can significantly extend the life of any dental restoration.
For professional advice about tooth fillings or to schedule a check-up of your existing dental work, contact BTY Dental today. Our experienced team can evaluate your current fillings and help you make informed decisions about your dental care needs. Schedule your appointment now to ensure your fillings remain in optimal condition for years to come.
