While placing dental fillings for tooth decay, the most common question people ask us is how long the filling would last. Tooth fillings can last for several years. However, their lifespan depends on the material used (the type of dental filling) and how sincerely you care for your teeth. So, let’s delve into a few significant aspects of the longevity of tooth fillings.
What is Dental Filling?
If you have tooth decay, a cavity, or a chipped tooth, dentists use a filling to replace the damaged part of the tooth. It involves sanding away the decay and filling it with a specific material like gold, amalgam, composite resin, and ceramic. Each substance or filling type has its lifespan. Let’s look at it in a short while.
What is the Purpose of Dental Fillings?
Fillings primarily address cavities. If ignored or left untreated, these cavities can cause infection, severe toothache and even tooth loss. Dentists remove the decayed portion and fill it with fillings to restore the tooth’s shape and function. Additionally, fillings help repair broken or cracked teeth and those damaged due to teeth grinding or nail-biting.
However, you shouldn’t consider fillings merely replacements for damaged tooth portions. Their benefits go beyond their fundamental function. Thus, we shall now overview a few advantages of a tooth-filling treatment.
Benefits of Dental Fillings
Here’s how you can benefit from an oral filling.
- Prevent Cavity Growth and Tooth Decay
Cavities and decay grow and become severe by the day. Oral restorations like fillings help prevent their growth by removing bacteria causing the decay. During the procedure, dentists clean the cavity and stop it from growing any further.
- Increase Natural Tooth Strength
The tooth loses its strength due to decaying and cavity formation. Such weakened teeth are more susceptible to injury, fracture and loss. Fillings have materials that help strengthen the tooth and avoid further damage.
- Restore Broken Teeth Function
Oral fillings help repair broken teeth or teeth that have suffered damage due to grinding (bruxism). Depending on how severe the injury or damage is, a filling can help repair it, thus restoring its appearance and functioning.
- Enhance Dental Aesthetics
While painful, tooth cavities and decaying are also a visual concern and a source of embarrassment. Dental restorations like fillings can address it by filling a hole and enhancing the tooth’s look. Besides, you can also use them to cover and re- shape front teeth.
Types of Fillings and Their Lifespan
Oral fillings are available in four main types. Dentists decide the type depending on the area of the mouth where it is needed, cost and the extent of repair.
- Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are the most common type, popular for their strength and endurance. One of the reasons for their strength is the use of metals like silver, tin, copper and mercury. These fillings suit the back teeth that do much of the chewing. They can last from 10 to 15 years or longer with appropriate care.
- Ceramic Fillings
These fillings have porcelain and score high on endurance and aesthetics. Besides, they are stain- and wear-resistant. However, ceramic fillings are almost as costly as gold. As for the longevity, you can expect them to last 15 years.
- Composite Fillings
Composite fillings consist of resin and plastic. Dentists can match them with the teeth colour. Hence, they look more natural. Besides, these fillings bond directly to the tooth, offering robust dental support. Composite fillings suit the front or visible parts of the teeth. However, their lifespan is between five and ten years.
- Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are lab-made and then fixed into the tooth. They are expensive and thus less common than their counterparts. However, these fillings last 18-20 years, outlasting every other type. Hence, if you want an enduring oral filling solution, gold fillings are a solid alternative.
Factors Affecting the Longevity of Dental Fillings
The lifespan of fillings may vary based on various factors, including the following.
- Material: Different materials like gold, ceramic, composite and amalgam have different lifespans. These are usually influenced by their inherent characteristics and how well they endure chewing
- Location: Fillings, where most of the chewing part happens, may wear down more quickly than those in other regions of the
- Size: Broader fillings covering a larger tooth surface may undergo more stress and have a shorter life than the smaller
- Chewing and Biting Habits: Nail-biting, grinding, or chewing on hard objects can stress the fillings and cause fractures or
- Oral Hygiene: Dental fillings last longer when you complement them with regular and appropriate dental hygiene including brushing, flossing and dental
Tips to Extend the Life of Your Dental Fillings
Increasing the life of your dental fillings demands correct oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and adhering to the right lifestyle and dietary routines.
Accordingly, here are some generic tips to maintain the longevity of dental fillings.
- Maintaining proper oral hygiene (brushing and flossing)
- Using an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash to reduce plaque
- Visiting the dentist for regular professional cleaning of the teeth
- Limiting sugary foodstuffs and drinks
- Refraining from eating hard and sticky foods
- Using only dentist-recommended toothbrushes and toothpastes
- Avoiding teeth grinding and clenching
- Quitting smoking as the habit weakens teeth and gums
- Staying hydrated and drinking adequate water to keep the mouth clean
- Watching signs of wear and tear like pain, sensitivity, discolouration, staining, visible damage, food getting stuck or feeling rough edges and addressing them with your dentist
Need a Dental Filling? Visit Advanced Dental Spa in Willetton, Thornlie & Ballajura!
Do not let tooth decay or cavities ruin your life! Visit us and get the right dental filling to protect your teeth. We are dentists committed to providing various dental services and the best-suited treatment. So, bank upon us for comprehensive oral care. Schedule a consultation with us for dental fillings in in Willetton, Thornlie & Ballajura!
