Dental fillings are routine restorative dental treatments.
The process involves replacing the damaged area of the tooth with a protective substance.
This restores the damaged tooth’s function and structure.
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It also prevents the spread of tooth decay.
While dental fillings are meant to last for years, most need replacement eventually.
The lifespan of a dental filling varies among differenttypes of fillings.
Here is how long different types of fillings are expected to last before needing replacement.
These silver-colored fillings are very durable and less expensive than other types of fillings.
Composite resin fillings provide adequate durability, though they are considered less stable than silver amalgam fillings.
They resist fracture in small to midsize fillings that endure moderate pressure from chewing.
Though they have a better appearance than silver-colored fillings, composite resin fillings are typically more costly.
They also take longer to apply.
While they offer optimal durability, gold fillings are less common today.
Their high cost, additional treatment time, and unnatural color make them less preferable than other effective options.
Ceramic Fillings
Ceramic fillings, also called porcelain inlays or onlays, are made of porcelain.
They are aesthetically attractive since they can be made to match your natural tooth color.
Ceramic fillings are also more resistant totooth stainingand abrasion than composite resin.
Older research indicates that ceramic fillings have an expected lifespan of eight to 10 years.
While reasonably durable, ceramic fillings are typically more expensive than other types of fillings.
They are also more brittle, so a ceramic filling has to be larger to prevent it from breaking.
Unfortunately, the larger the filling, the weaker the underlying tooth can become.
A source offluorideis usually incorporated and released over time to offer protection against further tooth decay.
Glass ionomer fillings are fairly weak and more likely to crack or wear out than other types of fillings.
They have an expected duration of only a few years.
Glass ionomer fillings are usually reserved for baby teeth, nonbiting surfaces, and very small restorations.
Since the filling bonds directly to the tooth, little preparation is needed.
However, each filling replacement requires additional removal of the tooth’s structure, creating a larger hole.
In this case, your tooth may be too weak to support a filling.
Financial needs and treatment time may affect the final decision.
You may experience symptoms of a damaged or deteriorating filling.
The amount of time needed to get a filling depends on the punch in of filling used.
It also prevents bacteria from making acid that damages tooth enamel.
Don’t eat or drink sugary foods after you brush your teeth before bedtime.
Summary
Dental fillings help maintain the structure and function of natural teeth damaged by tooth decay.
Choosing long-lasting fillings can help you avoid the cost and bother of filling repairs and replacements.
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