The lifespan of a dental filling can depend largely on the type of filling material used and your oral hygiene practices. On average, fillings last 20 years when made of gold, 15 years in the case of ceramic and porcelain, 10 to 15 years in the case of amalgam, 7 years in the case of composites and less than 5 years in the case of glass ionomer. Most white fillings are designed to last around a decade with good care. This means brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and avoiding bad habits, such as chewing ice or other hard foods, which can increase the risk of tooth fissures and broken teeth.
However, while white fillings may offer aesthetic and structural benefits, they may not be as durable as their silver counterparts. On average, white fillings can last 5 to 7 years before they need to be replaced, although this can vary depending on factors such as the size and location of the filling, the patient's oral hygiene habits and diet. On average, a filling should last a decade or more. Some dentists offer guarantees of around 1 to 2 years for new fillings, as long as you get checked every 6 months and take good care of your teeth at home.
There are several types of fillings, made from different materials, with different prices and cosmetic considerations. Some materials are more durable than others, but none are considered permanent. Both gold and amalgam fillings can last up to 20 years under the right circumstances. Porcelain and composite fillings can be more fragile but also more attractive since the cosmetic point of view.
Depending on the material and how well treated, dental fillings can last between 5 and 30 years. That's a big variety, and the filling style used largely determines this. The general expectation is 10 to 15 years with good care, but some fillings may not last as long. Understanding the lifespan of dental fillings can help you maintain a healthy smile for years to come.
Temporary fillings can be used when it's not possible to complete a dental restoration in a single visit or when a tooth needs to settle before applying a permanent solution.
Your dentist
can discuss treatment options with you and determine what type of dental filling is best for your situation. Most indirect fillings require two office visits: one to take dental impressions and one to place the restoration. While the best alternative to traditional fillings is to prevent tooth decay and, first of all, the need for a filling, other advances in recent years have provided dentists with some new options.In fact, nearly all American adults, about 92%, have had at least one cavity, so it's very likely that most of those teeth have had fillings. It's important to treat a damaged filling right away to prevent the bacteria from causing more damage, such as affecting the nerve. The general rule is to avoid chewing the filling area for at least 24 hours after the dental filling. Classic silver amalgam fillings do not mix, but they adapt well to unusual places and adhere firmly to the tooth.
However, while white fillings may not be as durable as silver fillings, they offer other benefits, such as a more natural appearance and the ability to adhere directly to the tooth. Dentists use them when a tooth is too damaged to support a filling, but not enough to justify placing a dental crown. Learn more about the expected lifespan of different types of dental fillings and what affects their lifespan. Gold fillings last an average of 20 years or more, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).The dentist can also check for weak spots in the material and perform dental x-rays to detect cavities under the filling.
The researchers also developed a dental adhesive (a glue to hold the composite filling) that contains a polymer called methacrylamides.
