How Long Does Tooth Fillings Last?

Dental fillings fill the spaces and cavities of your teeth because if left untreated can lead to tooth decay. If your tooth is broken or chipped you can consult a dentist for tooth filling to restore the strength, shape, and function of your tooth. In this blog, we’ll explore the types of tooth filling material, ways to expand its lifespan, and factors affecting its lifespan. 

Types of Tooth Filling Material

Amalgam Tooth Fillings

Amalgam fillings, also called silver fillings, have been the most commonly used dental filling material for more than a century. A mixture of metals, including copper, tin, silver, and mercury, form amalgam filling. It is frequently used due to its strength and ability to change teeth for ten to fifteen years. This material makes biting and chewing easier. The least expensive material for dental fillings is amalgam.

Composite Tooth Fillings

Composite resin fillings sometimes referred to as tooth-coloured fillings, consist of plastic and tiny glass particles. It restores the shape of your teeth and is crafted to match the colour of your real teeth. You shouldn’t be concerned about the way your face looks because composite resin fillings are almost invisible. They easily blend in with the neighbouring teeth due to their colour relevance. The material bonds directly to the tooth, strengthening the tooth structure. It aids in the restoration of broken, chipped, or damaged teeth in addition to filling cavities. 

Ceramic Tooth Fillings

It’s an additional tooth-coloured porcelain substitute. It is more resilient than composite resin due to its durability and biocompatibility. It enhances the facial aesthetics, gives the tooth filling a natural tooth colour, and is unlikely to cause any negative side effects. A tooth filling made of ceramic material is more expensive than one made of amalgam or composite resin. Your dentist Dee Why will advise you to maintain proper oral hygiene because ceramic fillings have the potential to fracture over time.  

Gold Tooth Fillings

Gold fillings are made of gold, copper, and other effective metals to make them durable and strong for your teeth. The dentists at Dental Clinic Dee Why are skilled at making their patients’ smiles whole again by enhancing their oral appearance. Gold fillings are extremely durable and strong, but their colour cannot be matched to that of your natural tooth. 

Glass Ionomer Tooth Fillings

Glass ionomer filling is made of two materials: glass and acrylic. It is usually applied to parts of the teeth and the gum line, where biting or chewing is not required. This type of filling works best for temporary fillings in children. 

How Long Does Tooth Fillings Last?

Dental fillings help you maintain good oral health by restoring the strength, integrity, form, and function of your teeth. Teeth fillings can endure up to ten to fifteen years if proper oral hygiene is maintained. Dental fillings are certainly strong and adaptable, but they are not a long-term solution. With time, the material will fade. The only ways to prolong the life of a tooth filling are to practice good oral hygiene and consume a balanced diet. 

Factors Affecting The Tooth Filling’s Lifespan

Several factors affect the lifespan of the tooth filling:

• Material Used: It directly impacts how long the tooth filling lasts, as mentioned in the section on dental filling materials.
• Location of the Filling: Because of chewing and biting, back teeth fillings are more prone to wear off than front teeth fillings.
• Oral Hygiene: Your dental fillings are directly affected by your oral hygiene practices. Regular brushing and flossing help shield your teeth from harm.
• Size and Scale of Filling: Compared to smaller fillings, larger fillings have a higher failure rate.
• Dentist’s expertise: The oral health of your teeth depends on the expertise of your dentist. You’ll notice greater precision and accuracy throughout the process the more experienced the dentist is.
• Diet: Eating a well-balanced diet helps prevent diseases and tooth decay. Give up drinking and smoking if you want to keep your dental fillings safe.
• Chewing and Grinding Habits: Try to break the habit of grinding your teeth as it can cause wear and tear on your dental filling. Your neighbourhood dentist is another resource for medical advice.

When to Replace A Tooth Filling?

If you observe the following symptoms, then it’s a sign you need to visit your dentist for a tooth filling replacement:

• Tooth-loosened feeling
• Tear and wear of filling
• Discolouration of tooth
• Rough and sharp edges
• Tooth sensitivity and pain
• Visible damage

Tips to Expand The Life of Tooth Filling

Here are some tips that you can follow to expand the lifespan of your tooth filling.

• Brushing and flossing regularly
• Rinsing your mouth regularly
• Consume healthy diet
• Avoid smoking and drinking
• Use a mouthguard to avoid teeth-grinding
• Regular dental visits

Conclusion

In conclusion, tooth filling is not a permanent solution and it requires proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits to expand the lifespan. You should quit drinking and smoking to prevent the tooth damage. Consult Dee Why Dentist of Coastal Smiles to avail various dental treatments.