Dental fillings are one of the most performed procedures in restorative dentistry. They can fix dental issues like tooth cavities and decay. But how long do dental fillings last? The answer to this question depends on different factors, like the techniques and the materials used in a dental filling procedure. Dental fillings made of more durable material can last longer and even for a lifetime. To find out how long a dental filling lasts, consult a dentist in Scarborough at Golden Mile Dental.
Read this comprehensive article to get more information about dental filling durability.
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What Are Dental Fillings and How Long Do They Last?
Dental Filling, as its name demonstrates, can fill the damaged or decayed part of a tooth to restore the tooth’s function by maintaining its structure. A tooth filling is considered a restorative dentistry treatment that can fix a tooth’s minor issues like cracks, chips, cavities, and decay. In the procedure of dental filling, the dentist removes the damaged or decayed part of the tooth and then applies the filling material to it. Then, the soft material will be molded and shaped, and after that, it will be hardened by special UV light. If you’re wondering how long a dental filling lasts, you can get comprehensive information about dental fillings in Scarborough at Golden Mile Dental.
Curious about “How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?” Find out at Golden Mile Dental Clinic, where our expert team ensures your fillings are durable and long-lasting. Dental filling typically can last for 5 to 20 years. The durability of dental fillings depends on different factors. Here are some of the dental fillings’ durability factors:
- Location of the Filled Tooth: Dental fillings may last differently on different teeth, as the pressure on them and their usage amount is different. Dental fillings on teeth that are more involved in heavy chewing will last a shorter time than the other teeth.
- Size of the Filling: when the damaged or decayed part of the tooth is so large that it needs a tooth filling larger than usual, this filling might last shorter than smaller fillings.
- Having Teeth Grinding Habit: Habits like teeth grinding and teeth clenching can negatively affect teeth fillings. They can increase the risk of teeth fillings becoming worn down.
- Diet: The consumption of excessively hard and sticky foods like some taffy can damage the teeth fillings.
- Oral Hygiene: Maintaining proper oral hygiene can make your dental filling last longer.
- Dentist’s Skills: Choosing an experienced and highly skilled dentist can lead to more durable dental filling. The techniques that your dentist uses to apply and shape the filling are very important to have a good and durable tooth filling.
- Materials: Different materials last differently. For example, the material of inlay and onlay (which are indirect fillings) is typically porcelain or ceramic, which makes them more durable than composite resin fillings. In the following, you can read more about all dental fillings’ types and materials and how long they usually last.
Golden Mile Dentistry offers top-quality dental care from experienced dentist in Toronto.
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Different Fillings’ Types Durability
Indirect Dental Fillings
- Inlay: Inlays are custom-made dental fillings that are made in the laboratory and will be put on your tooth by the dentist. Inlays are used when the damage is more severe to be cured with direct tooth filling. These pieces are usually made of porcelain or ceramic, which makes them very strong and durable.
- Onlay: Onlays are mostly used for more severe tooth damage when a whole cusp or more of them need to be filled. These pieces are also custom-made from durable materials like ceramic or porcelain, but some people might prefer them to be made from gold, which is also a durable option.
Direct Dental Fillings
- Amalgam: Also known as silver filling, amalgam is a mixture of silver, mercury, zinc, copper, and tin. Although amalgam is a durable filling material, it is not used widely nowadays as it is not aesthetically pleasing.
- Composite Resin: composite filling, also known as tooth-colored filling, is a material made of plastic resin and powdered glass. This filling has so many advantages, but the best thing about it is the color and its ability to shape like a natural tooth. Composite resin fillings can last 10 years or more.
- Gold: Some people prefer their filling to be golden for aesthetic reasons or because of its durability. Gold fillings are durable but expensive.
- Glass Ionomer: Glass ionomer filling releases fluoride, which is good for making tooth enamel stronger and preventing further cavities and decay. Although they might be useful for tooth health, glass ionomer fillings last less than other materials, such as composite resin.
To find out how long a dental filling lasts and to receive expert care, you should visit a expert cosmetic dentist in Scarborough at Golden Mile Dental.
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Dental Filling Aftercare to Make Them Last Longer
Taking care of your tooth fillings can make them last longer. The early hours after tooth filling are critical for some filling materials to set properly. Materials like amalgam (silver filling) and gold need 24-48 hours to set properly, and glass ionomer fillings need approximately 4 hours to set. It’s necessary to take better care of these filling materials in the early hours. Composite resin filling can be hardened with UV light, so they don’t need any special care during the early hours after the procedure.
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In general, maintaining good oral hygiene can help dental fillings last longer. Flossing and brushing your teeth regularly is necessary. You can use toothpaste or mouthwashes containing fluoride to strengthen your teeth’ enamel and make your tooth filling last longer.
Also, your diet is very effective for your dental filling durability. Prevent excessive consumption of hard, chewy, and sticky food to make your tooth filling last longer. It’s also important to limit acidic and sugary foods and drinks that can cause decay. Without good oral care, bacteria can get around the edges of old fillings, leading to decay under or around the filling. This decay can cause fillings to loosen, break, or fall out.
Another important thing to mention is teeth grinding. If you suffer from teeth grinding at night, ask your dentist to prescribe dental nightguards for you to prevent damage to both your teeth and dental filling.
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When is the Time for a Dental Filling to Be Replaced?
On average, most dental fillings can last about a decade with good care. This means flossing and brushing your teeth regularly and avoiding bad habits like chewing on hard foods, which can crack or break your teeth and damage the teeth fillings.
With proper care, you might be lucky enough and never need a filling replacement. But most people will need one eventually. Over time, a filling can crack or wear down, or it may even fall out and need to be replaced.
Usually, you won’t notice a problem with your tooth filling until it’s too late. That’s when regular dental checkups with your dentist become important. Dentists use a tool to check the edges of a filling to ensure it’s still fitted properly to the tooth and to detect any spots where bacteria might enter and cause tooth decay. Dental X-rays can also be helpful to show decay under or near the tooth filling. If the filling is no longer able to keep bacteria out and support the tooth, it’s time for a filling replacement.
A painful or sensitive tooth can also be a sign that your tooth filling needs to be replaced. However, it’s best not to wait for pain to have your fillings checked regularly. At Golden Mile Dental Clinic, we make sure to check your fillings during your checkups to keep your teeth healthy and prevent further complications.
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Dental Filling Replacement Procedure
Replacing a dental filling is a simple process. First, we check your tooth for decay around the old filling, and after that, we plan the filling replacement process. We start by numbing your tooth so you don’t feel any pain. Then, we take out the old filling. When the old filling is out, we clean the tooth and remove any decay to prevent bacteria from overgrowing in the area. Then, we alter the tooth and shape the area for the new filling. Depending on the type of filling, the next steps can be different. For composite fillings, which are the most common and popular, we apply the material to the tooth and use UV light to harden it. Other fillings like amalgam might be done differently.
After placing the new filling, we polish it to make it smooth in order to prevent uncomfortable feelings. We also check your bite to make sure you can bite or clench your teeth smoothly without any pain. Eventually, the whole process restores your tooth’s health and function. At Golden Mile Dental Clinic, our highly skilled and experienced dentists ensure your filling replacement is done well and the procedure becomes a good experience for you.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, dental filling lasts about 5 to 20 years with the proper care. The difference in filling durability depends on many factors, like materials, the severity of the damage, and how skilled the dentist is. Also, taking care of teeth fillings is necessary to make them last longer. Maintaining proper oral hygiene and preventing habits like teeth grinding and eating sticky or hard food can help both your teeth and your dental filling to stay strong and functional. If it’s already too late and you are feeling pain and sensitivity in your filled tooth, it’s time to contact us at Golden Mile Dental Clinic to have the best experience in having your tooth filling replaced. We ensure the use of the best materials and techniques by our highly skilled dentist to prevent any further problems and frequent tooth-filling replacements.
