Will My Dental Filling Last Forever?

Dental fillings can play a crucial role in restoring and maintaining your oral health. But if you already have or are about to get one, you might wonder how long it will last.

Unfortunately, dental fillings don’t last forever, but they can be kept in great shape for a long time if you know how to care for them. 

Keep reading to discover how long fillings last and what to do to improve their lifespan! 

What Are Dental Fillings? 

A dental filling is a type of restorative dental procedure used to treat a cavity, which is a permanent hole created in the tooth by harmful bacteria. 

Apart from the hole itself, bacteria go inside the tooth and slowly eat away at the softer tissues inside, like the dentin. Tooth tissue cannot heal or grow back on its own, so once the decay is removed, the dentist uses a filling to restore the tooth and prevent future cavities. 

How Long Can a Dental Filling Last? 

The lifespan of dental fillings depends on several factors, such as patient lifestyle, oral hygiene, and even the material of the filling. 

Today, most dentists use composite fillings. They are quite strong and tooth-colored, providing natural results. Composite fillings can last around 5 to 15 years, though some patients have kept their composite fillings even longer. 

One of the sturdiest dental fillings is made of gold. These can last as long as 30 years in some cases. However, they can be quite expensive and are not aesthetically pleasing. 

What Can Damage a Dental Filling?

No matter what they're made of, all dental fillings will need replacing sooner or later. They can be susceptible to:

• Regular wear and tear
• Chips or cracks
• Grinding
• Clenching
• Trauma 

If a filling is damaged or falls out completely, see a dentist near you as soon as possible. The natural tooth is unprotected and at risk of developing more cavities. 

How to Care for a Filling 

Caring for a dental filling only requires a few key measures:

• Brush your teeth every day, preferably after every meal.
• Floss daily before bed.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Wear a mouthguard when grinding your teeth or playing contact sports.
• Don’t smoke, vape, or use tobacco products.
• Don’t chew on hard objects or eat lots of hard foods (like nuts, chips, and crackers).
• Eat more fresh fruits and veggies. 

Seeing the dentist every six months is also a great strategy to protect your filling. This allows the dentist to spot any cracks or chips in the filling and fix them before it gets more damaged. 

Get a Dental Filling at Titletown Dental 

Are you dealing with a cavity that needs treatment? Dr. Sam Schmidt is here to help with sturdy and aesthetically pleasing composite dental fillings that can restore your oral health. 

Request a visit to Titletown Dental online, or call us at (920) 399-0428.