If you’re dealing with a painful cavity, a dental filling is a quick fix that can restore your tooth to perfect health and get you out of pain. They’re also remarkably versatile, capable of addressing tooth decay just about anywhere in the mouth.
While dental fillings are incredible, they don’t necessarily last forever. Here’s some more information about how long you can expect them to last, and when you would need to replace them.
How Long Do Fillings Last?
Considering how versatile fillings are, there are a lot of variables at play if you’re trying to figure out how long you can expect them to last. Placement is one of them; fillings that are under the most pressure will tend to give out first.
However, the most important variable is the material that your filling is made out of. The two most popular kinds of fillings are made out of metal amalgam and tooth-colored composite resin. Tooth-colored resin lasts for around 7-10 years on average, while metal amalgam can last anywhere from 15-20.
What Material Should I Choose?
If you’re worried about how long your fillings are going to last you, it’s worth giving a little more thought to what you would like them to be made out of in the first place. As you can see, amalgam fillings tend to last much longer than composite, and are usually more affordable; that said, composite has a lot of advantages over amalgam.
Not only do they look better, but they’re also much more stable than amalgam. Some people have allergies to the alloys used in fillings, which they usually aren’t aware of until they already have them. Amalgam fillings can also grow and shrink with temperature, which can lead to a lot of temperature sensitivity.
When Should a Filling Be Replaced?
At some point, your filling will likely have worn down enough to fall out, or you might notice the familiar sting of a cavity that’s no longer being protected. If this happens, call your dentist; they’ll be able to determine whether your filling needs a replacement.
You should also make it a point to see your dentist at least twice a year for routine checkups. They’ll be able to catch a worn-out filling before you can, and replace it before things start getting uncomfortable.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Byars is a dentist who works hard to stay on top of the latest techniques in his field and uses them to offer his patients the most comfortable, efficient care that he possibly can. Dr. Byars earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Missouri – Kansas City. He then completed The Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency, a one-year residency focused on advanced restorative care.
If you have any questions about how long your dental fillings could last, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (816) 781-8222.