Most of us will face the necessity of getting dental fillings at some point in life. Naturally, when preparing for the procedure, patients want to know: How long will a tooth filling last? Please read our article to learn about different types of dental fillings and their life spans they have. 

 

How Long Will a Tooth Filling Last?

In general, dental fillings can last between 5 and 20 years. Several factors influence the longevity of your dental filling:

• The material the filling is made of
• The location of the filling (fillings that are located on chewing surfaces tend to wear out quickly)
• The size of your dental filling (smaller fillings tend to last longer than larger ones, as they require less tooth structure to be removed before placement)
• The efficiency of your oral hygiene
• Your dietary and lifestyle habits
• The quality of the initial dental work

Let us look at what longevity you can expect from different types of dental fillings:

 

Resin Composite Fillings

Resin composite is one of the most commonly used materials for dental fillings. It has a color very similar to natural teeth and provides reasonable durability when properly cared for. Resin composite fillings can last up to 7 years. 

 

Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass ionomer dental fillings tend to be the least durable option, lasting only up to 5 years. Due to their short lifespan, glass ionomer fillings are mainly used to treat temporary baby teeth. On the plus side, glass ionomer fillings can be less expensive compared to other options. 

 

Ceramic and Porcelain Fillings

Ceramic fillings tend to be more expensive than resin composite fillings, but they also tend to be more durable. On average, ceramic fillings can last for up to 15 years. This material is also tooth-colored and looks very natural in the mouth.

 

Silver Amalgam and Gold Fillings

Metal, such as silver amalgam and gold, tend to provide the most durability compared to any other option. Silver amalgam fillings can last for up to 15 years, and gold fillings for up to 20 years. However, nowadays, these materials lose their popularity because they are noticeable in the mouth. Metal fillings are mainly used to treat teeth at the back of the mouth that are not visible when you speak. 

 

How to Make Your Dental Fillings Last Longer

Regardless of the material your fillings are made of, there are several practices you can incorporate into your routine to preserve your fillings for as long as possible:

• Maintaining sufficient daily oral hygiene is key when it comes to preserving any dental work and the health of your teeth and gums in general. Good oral hygiene includes brushing your teeth for at least 2 minutes twice a day and flossing every evening. Additionally, you can use a water flosser as the first step in your daily routine, as this device is proven to improve gum health and help reduce plaque buildup.
• Keep in mind the importance of regular dental cleanings and checkups, and schedule a dental visit every 6 months. During a professional cleaning, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, thus preventing bacterial growth in the mouth. Bacteria eat away at the enamel of your teeth and can further destroy treated teeth, making your dental fillings fail.
• Abstain from very hard or crunchy foods that can chip or crack your dental fillings. Also, it is not recommended to eat sticky foods, such as toffee. 
• Limit foods and drinks containing high levels of acid (for example, lemons, vinegar, etc.). Acid erodes the enamel of your teeth. If the tooth around the filling is damaged, the filling can fail, too. 
• Avoid very hot and very cold foods and drinks, as they can make the filling contract or expand (especially metal fillings) and also cause tooth sensitivity. 
• If you have bruxism—involuntary teeth grinding or clenching, especially at night—address this issue. Teeth grinding and clenching can wear out your fillings much faster or even make them crack. Now, several methods of bruxism treatment are available, including counseling, mouthguards, physical therapy, etc.

 

Make an Appointment at Dream Smile City

Get high-quality dental fillings at the Dream Smile City dental office. Do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at our office today. We will carefully examine your oral health and offer you the most suitable dental filling option, taking your goals and needs into consideration. Our specialists are looking forward to your visit.