How Durable are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are among the most common dentistry procedures today. They help to restore natural tooth by replacing the structure lost to decay. One of the common questions asked by those who intend to get dental fillings is, how long do dental fillings last?

Once your dentist has removed the decayed part of your tooth and filled the void with a hard material to protect the rest of your healthy tooth from infection, you will be able to use your tooth normally again. You’ll be free from pain.

Unfortunately, tooth fillings don’t last forever. They may last many years, but eventually, they’ll need replacement. The lifespan of your fillings will depend on various factors, including the type of material used, the size of your cavity, and how you care for them. Let’s take a more in-depth look at this. At Oxford Dental Care, we provide high quality fillings that are also durable.

The Lifespan of Different Filling Materials

Different materials have different lifespans. Here’s a look at the most common types of dental fillings:

• Gold fillings have the longest lifespan. You can expect them to last between 15 and 30 years.
• Silver amalgam fillings typically last between 10 and 15 years.
• Composite fillings are the least durable. You can expect them to last 5 to 7 years before they need to e replaced.

It is worth noting that if the cavity is not large and the adjacent teeth remain healthy, your filling may last longer. You also can prolong the lifespan of your fillings by upholding good dental care practices.

How To Make Your Fillings Last Longer

Below are some things you can do to make sure your fillings last as long as possible.

Avoid biting too hard

When you bite down too hard, you may end up causing damage to your fillings. There’s a limit to how much pressure the fillings can handle, and larger fillings usually are weaker. It’s advisable to take gentle bites to ensure your fillings last longer.

Avoid grinding your teeth

If you suffer from bruxism, you may end up wearing down the surfaces of your teeth. his may cause your dental fillings to chip or crack.  Your dentist may help you get a mouth guard to protect your teeth at night.

Brush your teeth with care

You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Make sure you brush at least twice a day. While cleaning, be a bit more careful around the filling, especially if it’s still tender or if it’s so deep that it lies close to the gum line.

Remember to floss regularly, but you should be gentle in the first 24 hours of getting the filling to avoid irritating the affected area.

Eat a Well-balanced Diet

You should consume food and drinks that promote the health of your teeth. You don’t want foods that are known to cause tooth erosion and discoloration. Given this, you should avoid things such as soda and sugary, processed foods. his will help minimize plaque accumulation, which is the leading cause of tooth decay.

Contact Your Dentist if a Filling Becomes Loose

It’s normal to notice some bits of filling in your mouth for a couple of hours after the dental filling procedure. However, if you notice larger parts of filling coming off, you should see your dentist a soon as possible to get the situation examined and fixed accordingly.

In Summary

Dental fillings are an excellent restoration treatment for teeth that have been damaged by decay. They can last between 5 and 30 years depending on the type of material used and how you care for them. For example, gold fillings can last up to 30 years while composite fillings can serve you for only seven years.