“How long does a dental filling last?”
I had a dental filling done about 5 years ago for my cavities. I recently underwent a dental checkup because of my sensitivity issue and the doctor said that the tooth where I have had a filling done is infected by a cavity again. How long does a dental filling last to protect the tooth?
16 Answers
Gold can last 50-60 years. Silver causes more problems and tooth colored last the least of all
Can range due to size of the cavity and your hygiene
It's not a matter of how long the fillings last. There is tooth structure around the filling that is exposed to decay every day. It can develop new decay that needs to be treated.
It depends on several things. A silver filling will often last longer than a white filling. A small filling often lasts longer than a large filling. Both fillings will last longer in a mouth that is regularly flossed than in one that is not. If you don't floss regularly, you can develop a cavity under or next to a filling or a crown (no, crowns are not immune, unfortunately). Finally, if you clench and grind, you will break down fillings more quickly.
The lifetime of a dental restoration is not just time-related it's also positionally important as posterior fillings in the back of the mouth generally last 7 years if they are metal metal except for crowns which are considered to be lifetime Restorations. But if the feeling is placed in the tooth it generally has a lifetime of 7 years before it begins to have marginal breakdown and begin to leak bacteria which can cause underlying recurrent decay. Fillings or Restorations done in the anterior or front cosmetic part of the mouth are not as durable as they are aesthetic Restorations meant to match the shade of the front teeth and are much less long lasting. Usually stain is the reason they're required to be replaced more often such as coffee tea or nicotine
The filling could last a long time with proper flossing and brushing methods. But usually, most fillings last about 5-7 years.
There are a number of factors dictating the longevity of a dental filling. Some of those factors include type and size of filling, home care habits, diet, and frequency of professional maintenance. Based mainly on these factors, fillings can last anywhere between less than a year to over 20 years.
Fillings don't decay, but the tooth next to the filling may decay as there is often a microscopic gap between the tooth and the filling - brushing 3 times every day with an electric toothbrush will protect the investment you made in your dental health.
Silver fillings average 11 years. Tooth colored fillings are approaching this average. However, what you eat and drink, how well you clean and floss your teeth, and if you clench or grind will affect how long a filling lasts. A lot of the stuff we eat and drink has acid in it. A lot has sugar in it. Bacteria take the sugar we eat and break it down into acid. Acid is what causes the cavities. A lot of us eat fruits thinking we are eating healthy. Fruit has both sugar and acid! Clenching or grinding can break down the tooth or filling enough to create opportunities for the establishment of bacteria, which in turn leads to cavities
First of all, any restorative "filling" material needs to be biocompatible to the patient's immune system. The pertinent factors to maximizing the duration of a restorative material include (1) proper insertion technique; (2) patient compliance with good oral hygiene protocol; and (3) the nightly use of a protective nightguard.
Considering you’re taking care of your teeth regularly, silver filling (amalgam, as we call it) can last more than 15 years while the tooth colored filling (we call composite) has to be replaced every 5 to 7 years.
That really is a loaded question as there are a number of variables that determine the longevity of a filling. One is the placement of the restoration by the dentist. If there was a gap in the restoration where the tooth and the restoration meet or if there was any type of contamination during placement, then there is greater chance for decay to develop. The patient's home care, including frequency of brushing and consistency of flossing, play a roll as well as the concentration of caries producing bacteria in a patient's mouth and the amount, consistency and components of saliva.
With all that being said, it is very difficult to be able to provide a specific answer to your question. I hope, however, that understanding all the factors involved helps create a better understanding.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rankin
With all that being said, it is very difficult to be able to provide a specific answer to your question. I hope, however, that understanding all the factors involved helps create a better understanding.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rankin
Amy G. David
Dentist
Composite, tooth colored, fillings last between 7 and 10 years on average. They can last longer, or fail sooner, depending on the area of the mouth. If a tooth is hard to clean or maintain free from plaque, the filling will fail sooner. Some people have softer teeth than others, and are more cavity prone. If that is the case, a filling may not last as long there as well. Even after a tooth is restored, anywhere there is natural tooth structure where plaque or food can remain for extended periods of time, a new cavity can occur. Increasing your fluoride can help protect and prolong dental restorations and routine cleanings to make sure that all areas of the mouth are being maintained properly can help minimize your risk.
On average, 5 years, give or take; it all depends on 1. how well it was done, 2. how well you take care of your mouth, frequent brushing/flossing, and visits to your dentist 3. are you a clencher/grinder, this habit reduces the life span of a filling, and lastly, any bad habits? Chewing ice, hard nuts/candies can potentially damage a filling/teeth and reduce the lifespan of restorations.
Fillings lasts from 2-5 years. It depends on how well you keep your teeth clean and if you brush and floss regularly. Keeping good oral hygiene can prevent plaque from building up along the junction between the filling and the tooth to prevent the decay along the junction between the tooth and filling and recurrence of decay at the margin.
The dental fillings are silver filings used to fill the decayed areas of your teeth. It can last from 10 to 15 years after treatment. You need to take frequent dental visits to maintain healthy hygiene of your oral cavity and not get any dental infection. The better oral care helps to avoid tooth injuries and other dental problems such as teeth grinding. After then, the dental fillings need to be replaced.
