Dental fillings repair the chip and cavities. Teeth filling can easily last 7-10 years in general. The exact time for the dental filling procedure depends on the type of filling material in addition to various other factors.
Highlights
- A tooth filling can even last up to 7-25 years depending on the type of filling material and the associated aftercare.
- Practice good oral hygiene and avoid sugary or gummy foods to make your fillings last longer.
- Visit the dentist regularly to increase the durability of the dental fillings.
How long do Dental Fillings last?
Dental fillings can last up to 15 years on average. A few tooth fillings can even last up to 25 years. The material of the filling is the key parameter to decide how long a tooth filling last along with lifestyle and dietary habits.
The kind of filling chosen for your teeth depends on the following factors;
- The location and severity of dental chips or cavities in the teeth.
- The cost of filling material.
- Your personal choice and the dentist’s expert opinion
Types of Teeth Fillings
The commonly used filling materials for teeth filling are;
Silver Amalgam
Silver or dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury (50%), copper, silver, tin, and zinc.
- A silver amalgam filling can last upto 10-15 years.
- These fillings are the most durable.
- Silver amalgam fillings are the least expensive.
- Mercury in dental amalgam may impose serious health risks thus, making it a less favorable choice of tooth filling.
Gold fillings
The gold inlays or outlays are composed of a gold alloy, copper, and a few other metals.
- Gold fillings are the most durable and pleasant.
- They are very strong and last upto 20-30 years.
- A gold restoration is expensive and requires specialized care by the teeth-filling dentist.
Also Read: How long does it take to fill a cavity?
Porcelain fillings
Porcelain fillings also called ceramic fillings are made of polymer plastic material. Porcelain dental fillings are custom-made according to the individual’s teeth size.
- Porcelain fillings last upto 15 years.
- They are matched with the teeth’ size and fit the best in place.
- Ceramic fillings are closer to natural teeth.
- Porcelain fillings are resistant to staining and cracking.
- Porcelain fillings are easy to place and need fewer dental visits.
Composite fillings
Composite fillings are a mixture of plastic and ceramic that are made into tooth color.
- Composite fillings can last upto 5-10 years.
- They can be shaped accordingly, to fit into the place.
- Composite fillings have a color similar to that of the teeth, making them less noticeable.
Consult a dentist to decide which tooth filling is best for you based on your teeth damage.
Factor affecting the longevity
The tooth fillings can last for 7 to 20 years depending on the type of material used for filling and the aftercare practiced. The factors that decide exactly how long the teeth filling lasts include;
Oral hygiene
Oral hygiene is also one of the deciding factors that how long your teeth filling will last.
- Poor brushing and flossing habits can cause decay around the filling.
- Consuming sugary foods like toffees, jellies, and soda beverages can result in the formation of a biofilm on the teeth. The bacteria from sugary foods also attack the dental enamel resulting in breakage.
- Sleeping without brushing your teeth can affect the enamel. It becomes worn out and results in a bacterial deposition that develops cavities in the place.
- Eating chewing gums can affect the longevity of dental filling as it can pull out the filling material.
All these factors contribute significantly to affect the longevity of your dental fillings.
Nail biting
Some people have a habit of biting their fingernails. The time of stay for dental fillings is significantly reduced in such people.
- Continuous nail biting can affect the restoration and cause the enamel to come off.
- The extensive pressure during nail biting cause the dental fillings to become loose and dislodged.
- Nail biting also exposes the teeth to bacteria and germs that increase the chances of cavities in the teeth surrounding the fillings. The bacteria grow and may affect the restorations.
Trauma/injury
Any trauma or injury to the teeth affects the stay of dental fillings at their place.
- The trauma or injury to the teeth loosens the tooth structure and makes it difficult for the filling to adhere to its place.
- Trauma to the teeth results in inflammation surrounding the filling. This also affects the integrity of the restorative material.
Bruxism
The habit of clenching and grinding the teeth unconsciously imparts pressure on the dental fillings reducing the durability of the filling material.
- The pain and sensitivity caused by bruxism also affect the teeth restorations and damage the fillings.
- Bruxism can also cause fractures to the dental fillings that affect the strength of the fillings and they wear off earlier than usual.
How to make a tooth filling last long?
The following good oral hygiene practices can help make the dental fillings last long;
Brushing and Flossing regularly: Brush your teeth twice a day and especially before bedtime to remove the food particles and other depositions from teeth. Floss your teeth regularly to clean hard-to-reach areas of your teeth and gums.
Healthy Eating Habits: Avoid sugary foods and soda drinks as they affect the tooth enamel.
Drinking excessive tea and coffee can leave stains on the teeth and also affect the fillings. Avoid gums as they can pull off dental fillings from your teeth.
Quit Smoking: Smoking can teeth decoloration and affect the durability of the fillings. Quit smoking or tobacco to make your teeth fillings last longer.
Treatment for bruxism: Get immediate treatment for bruxism or nail biting. The medication can help in making the fillings last long by preventing excessive pressure on the teeth.
Dental checkups: Regular dental check-ups with the dentist help you in maintaining good oral hygiene. The dentist diagnoses any issue with the fillings immediately and develops strategies to make a tooth filling last longer.
FAQs
1. Is dental filling good for teeth?
A dental filling can help restore the original tooth structure and functioning. Tooth-refilling materials fill the chipped or broken teeth with a filling material made of common metals. It makes the teeth appearance and functionality.
2. Is filling teeth painful?
The tooth-filling procedure is performed in the areas where there are no nerves. This reduces the sensitivity of teeth to pain due to the filling procedure.