How Long Does a Dental Filling Last?

dental filling Hackensack, NJ

It would be nice if your dental filling lasted for the rest of your life. Unfortunately, a dental filling needs to be replaced eventually. Many fillings can last for up to 20 years. However, this number can vary depending on your health and oral care. Continue reading to find out more about the life span of dental fillings.

What is a dental filling?

If a patient has a tooth that starts to decay, a dental filling can fix the problem. First, the dentist will drill out any decay that is not wanted. Without this step, the decay can spread throughout the tooth. The tooth will then be filled with a substance so it will stay strong. There are several things a filling might consist of, including:

  • Gold
  • Porcelain
  • Composite resin, which blends with the rest of the teeth
  • Silver amalgam, made from silver, mercury, tin and zinc

When will the filling need to be replaced?

Generally, a dental filling will last for at last seven years. This can last for as long as 20 years. It will depend on where the filling is located, the patient’s dental hygiene and the size. Fillings undergo a lot of stress every day. Each time the patient chews, the filling is compromised. The filling might come loose bit by bit.

This creates an area that food particles can easily collect in. That will only cause further damage to the tooth. If the tooth begins to decay with a filling, the hole will be larger than the filling. That could cause the filling to come loose.

For this reason, regular visits to the dentist are even more important. Patients should visit the dentist every six months. This can prevent the filling from becoming loose and being an issue. By not visiting the dentist, patients may need to have a root canal treatment or extraction instead.

Avoiding decay

With the right dental care, patients can prolong the life of their fillings. The right dental care can go a long way toward helping. It is important to brush twice a day with a toothbrush that has soft bristles. This will prevent the brushing motion from wearing down the patient’s gums. Flossing will help prevent gum disease or a small cavity from starting.

It is also important to have the teeth cleaned by a dentist every six months. This can “reset” the patient’s oral health and cleanliness. This is a good idea because even proper oral hygiene may not be able to remove all of the plaque. The dentist will also look for early signs of tooth decay. Catching cavities early will prevent them from growing.

Visit a dentist today

Your dental filling can last up to two decades if you care for it properly. However, if you have an old filling, it may need to be replaced. Your dentist can help you decide when that should happen. Making an appointment with your dentist today is the first step.

Request an appointment here: https://www.smilebeautification.com or call Rolando Cibischino D.M.D. at (201) 204-1355 for an appointment in our Hackensack office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

A Comprehensive Guide To The Different Types Of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are quick and easy restorations. These thin shells can cover the front part of the teeth. Dental damage and discoloration can go away. You can even gain more strength from this extra layer of protection. Knowing which one can fit you the most can help you decide with your dentist on consultation day.…

How Dental Veneers Can Boost Your Confidence

A great smile can improve your confidence, but a poor one can have the opposite effect. Dental veneers may be the answer if you are struggling with the quality of your smile. Read on to learn how they can transform not only your smile but your confidence as well.People avoid smiling altogether when they do…

What Are Clear Braces?

Clear braces are a subtle alternative to traditional braces and provide a solution to similar orthodontic problems. The primary difference in the clear version of braces is that they are less noticeable. When you have metal braces, anyone who sees you smiling or talking notices the braces. If you want the less obvious version of…

When Your Dentist May Recommend Dental Veneers

An assessment for dental veneers can tell your dentist if you need these restorations. Veneers are customizable and thin. Each shell can correct mild to moderate dental issues. Here are the details to know when your dentist may suggest dental veneers.Even if other dental restorations can repair these mild types of damage, dental veneers are…

Recent Posts

A Comprehensive Guide To The Different Types Of Dental Veneers

A Comprehensive Guide To The Different Types Of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are quick and easy restorations. These thin shells can cover the front part of the teeth. Dental damage and discoloration can go away. You can even gain more strength from this extra layer of protection. Knowing which one can fit you the most can help you decide with your dentist on consultation day.…

How Dental Veneers Can Boost Your Confidence

How Dental Veneers Can Boost Your Confidence

A great smile can improve your confidence, but a poor one can have the opposite effect. Dental veneers may be the answer if you are struggling with the quality of your smile. Read on to learn how they can transform not only your smile but your confidence as well.People avoid smiling altogether when they do…