One of the questions patients often ask when they need a dental filling is, “How long will it last?” Unfortunately, dental fillings are not permanent. Filling a cavity is sometimes inconvenient, so patients want to know when they will need to undergo the procedure again. Certain factors such as the size of the cavity and extent of wear and tear can affect a filling’s lifespan, but the most crucial factor is the material used for the dental filling.
The most common dental filling materials include porcelain, composite, gold and amalgam. They have different strengths, appearances and prices. Patients need to consider these factors, including the durability of each filling before undergoing the filling procedure.
Gold filling is an alloy of copper and other metals. They can survive up to 15 to 30 years of biting and chewing — more than any other filling material. It is the most durable but costs more than all the other filling materials.
Amalgam fillings contain a percentage of silver, copper, mercury, tin and other metals. After gold filling, amalgam is the most durable material for dental fillings. They can last between 10 to 15 years and for many years were the preferred choice for filling a decayed tooth. The low cost and durability are the reasons many people consider them.
These fillings are created from resin, a hard-plastic polymer combined with glass or quartz particles. They generally last between five to seven years and can survive up to 10 years with proper care. Compared to gold or amalgam fillings, composite dental fillings are less durable and deteriorate much faster. They are often the preferred option since they are customizable to match the teeth’s appearance.
Porcelain or ceramic fillings can withstand up to 10 years of regular use. Like composite fillings, they can be adjusted to match the color of the natural teeth. Porcelain is stronger than the resin used for composite fillings and can be used for molars.
There is no definite lifespan for the dental fillings mentioned. Sometimes, the filling may fail earlier than expected, or they can last twice as long as anticipated. The apparent sign that a filling needs replacement is a noticeable crack, looseness or falling out. Loose or lost fillings tend to happen if the cavity is large and there is not enough natural tooth structure to hold the filling. It is necessary to book an appointment with a dentist if any changes occur with the dental filling, even if it does not cause pain or discomfort.
The dentist may also notice small cracks around the filling during a routine checkup and replace the dental filling. Otherwise, dentists prefer to leave the filling intact, even if it has exceeded its expected lifespan. The process of replacing a filling often means drilling out more of the healthy tooth structure and the filling will take more areas of the tooth, resulting in a root canal or worst still, tooth extraction.
Dental fillings have improved over the years — they are more durable and natural-looking. For more questions about the dental filling procedure, book an appointment with a dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://smilefreshdentalgrandblanc.com or call Smile Fresh Dental at (810) 515-7083 for an appointment in our Grand Blanc office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Google: Read our Yelp reviews.
Invisalign® clear aligners are a great dental alternative to more traditional teeth-straightening methods such as braces. Many patients find them easier to handle, less painful, less time-consuming, and less embarrassing than having a mouth full of metal. The trick is finding the right dentist who can provide you with optimal clear alignment treatment.To understand what…
A cosmetic dentist can give you a bright, healthy smile. This provider can perform procedures that improve the appearance of your teeth and gums. Knowing the cosmetic dental treatments can help you make informed decisions about your next appointment. Here are the details about the common procedures your cosmetic dentist can provide.People with chipped or…
Clear aligners are becoming an increasingly popular way to straighten teeth that are crooked, protruding, or crowded. They offer an array of benefits that traditional braces do not as the entire process is completely different. Instead of metal wires and brackets, the teeth are shielded by flexible plastic pieces that go directly over the top or…
A denture repair should be your top priority when your denture breaks or becomes damaged. This prosthetic device fills out all the empty spaces in your mouth. It is crucial to care for your denture since the missing teeth can compromise your eating habits, speech, and appearance. This dental device is durable enough to handle…