Did your dentist recommend dental filling for the cavity in your tooth?
When dental decay progresses, it can form a cavity in your tooth. Treatment for tooth decay depends on the stage, and your dentist might recommend a dental filling to restore the damaged tooth. While it does not replace your tooth enamel, a dental filling can help save your tooth from further damage. But, many people wonder, how long do fillings last?
The lifespan of a dental filling will depend on the type of filling material you receive, along with other factors such as your oral hygiene, habits, and more. In this blog, we will tell you all about how long different types of fillings last and how to increase their durability. Carry on reading to learn!
How Long Do Different Types of Dental Fillings Last
Here are the common types of filling materials and their lifespan:
1. Gold Fillings
Gold fillings, having the longest lifespan, tend to last around 10 to 15 years. If you receive a gold filling, you can rest assured that it will withstand biting and chewing forces for years to come. Keep in mind, though, that gold fillings are not purely composed of gold; copper and other materials might be fused with gold. Still, unsurprisingly, it costs the most among all filling materials. Plus, as good as it is, the gold color will stand out among your pearly whites, which might make it unfavorable.
2. Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam or silver filling, too, lasts long, around 10 to 15 years. On top of that, they are the least expensive option for a filling material. It used to be a popular choice due to its strength and low cost. However, nowadays, the option of tooth-colored fillings has diminished the hype surrounding amalgam fillings. Also some people are also allergic to silver.
3. Composite Fillings
Made of resin mixed with glass or quartz particles, composite fillings last around 5 to 7 years. According to some studies, composite fillings may last as long as 10 years, given that you practice proper oral care. In addition, they cannot endure pressure well, causing the filling to wear away faster than the metal-based gold or silver alternatives.
4. Porcelain Fillings
Porcelain or composite filling last 5 to 10 years, just like composite fillings. However, the price of porcelain fillings is almost as much as gold. Moreover, porcelain filling uses a resin that is harder compared to the one used in composite material. Therefore, porcelain fillings are a great choice for molars and other high-impact teeth.
How To Make Fillings Last Longer
You can make sure your fillings, regardless of the material, do not wear out before their lifetime. To do so, here are a few tips that might help:
- Gentle brushing twice a day
- Proper flossing once a day
- Limited intake of sugary and sticky snacks
- Using alcohol-free mouthwash
- Avoiding tobacco products
- Drinking water instead of acidic drink
- Opting for a fluoride toothpaste
Conclusion
In short, fillings can last around 5 to 15 years, depending on the material. Gold fillings generally have the longest lifespan, whereas porcelain fillings have the shortest. But with proper care, you can ensure your filling does not need replacement before time.
Hermosa Dental offers a wide range of effective dental procedures. Make sure you make the most of it and improve your dental health by visiting us. You can also schedule an appointment with our team at:
(713) 695-3400 (E. Little York)
(832) 427-1797 (Highway 6)
(281) 747-7004 (Porter)
(832) 328-5651 (Tomball)