dental fillings

Dental fillings are super durable and protect your teeth for a long time. But they don’t last forever. Fillings typically last up to 20 years, but there are times when replacing them sooner is recommended. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the lifespan of dental fillings.

What are Fillings For?

Fillings are just one of the dental services we offer to treat decaying teeth. The first step is to drill away the decay followed by placement of a filling, often a composite filling. Because these fillings are tooth colored, they closely match your existing teeth.

How long a composite filling lasts depends on a number of factors:

  • The location of the filling.
  • The filling’s size.
  • Your dental hygiene habits.

A diligent home dental routine extends the life of your fillings and prevents new cavities from forming.

If you already have older fillings in your mouth, you can expect amalgam (silver) ones to last from five to 25 years and gold ones to last 15 to 20 years.

Another restoration solution is inlays, custom-made fillings made of composite material, gold, or tooth-colored porcelain. Inlay restorations are a good choice for broken or fractured teeth, fractured fillings, and cosmetic enhancement.

Is it Time to Replace Your Dental Fillings?

Along with additional decay, things like chewing and clenching can damage your fillings.

Some fillings like amalgam ones create telltale symptoms when they start to fail. Your teeth might darken due to leakage, you might feel soreness, or the filling might feel like it “gives” when you press on it. Composite fillings typically start to cause pain as they fail. You could notice sensitivity to pressure or temperature or might feel a sharp pain that comes and goes.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist to determine if the time is right for a replacement filling. In some cases, your dentist will recommend further testing and x-rays.

Take Care of Your Teeth

The best thing you can do to extend the life of your fillings is to take consistent care of your teeth. Not only will you protect the fillings you have, but you’ll also avoid having to get additional ones! Proper oral hygiene that includes brushing, flossing, and rinsing at least twice a day can often eliminate the chance of needing fillings. And be sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and check-ups.

Don’t wait until a filling hurts before you take care of it. Kanehl Dental Group uses the latest tools and technologies to help you keep your mouth and teeth as healthy as possible. To learn more about dental fillings or to schedule an oral checkup, contact us today.