Teeth that have suffered from damage due to cavities or minor cracks can simply be restored through dental fillings. While fillings are known to last a long time, they do not last a lifetime.
Over time, even dental fillings can require replacements or touch-ups since factors like chewing, grinding, and daily wear can weaken them too. Sometimes a deteriorating filling goes unnoticed. It is important to schedule routine dental exams to detect issues early.
Knowing when to seek early treatment can help preserve your filling and also protect the tooth that has been affected.
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?
How long a filling lasts depends on the filling material, your habits and how well you take care of your teeth. Some fillings last several years, others may last a shorter period depending on care and usage.
Average lifespan of common filling materials:
- Composite fillings: 5 to 10 years
- Amalgam fillings: 10 to 15 years
- Gold fillings: 15 years or longer
- Ceramic fillings: around 15 years
Fillings deteriorate due to consistent teeth grinding, chewing hard foods, and not maintaining a good oral care routine.
Signs You May Need a Filling Replacement
If an old filling shows visible damage, below are a few signs you should consider replacing your filling:
Tooth Sensitivity
Sensitivity to temperature or sweet foods often signals that a filling has begun to break down. When the seal weakens, the tooth beneath becomes exposed, and bacteria find their way in through gaps that are too small to see but significant enough to cause damage.
Pain When Chewing
Pain or pressure when you bite down could mean the filling is cracked or loose.
Cracks or Damage
If you see a chip, crack, or discoloration in a filling, it needs to be replaced. Repeated damage can weaken the tooth, making it more likely to develop cavities.
Rough or Worn Edges
Old fillings can become rough due to normal chewing wear. Worn edges can trap food particles and bacteria, making you more likely to get cavities.
Decay Around the Filling
Bacteria can accumulate around old fillings and cause new decay under or next to the filling. Your dentist can find this during routine checkups or X-rays.
Why You Should Replace Old Fillings
If a damaged filling is not repaired, it may lead to more serious dental issues. Bacteria can enter microscopic crevices and cause decay to spread further into the tooth. This frequently necessitates a crown, root canal, or extraction.
Replacing worn fillings can help restore the tooth’s structure and prevent bacteria from entering. Early treatment also helps preserve more of the natural tooth.
Filling Replacement Process
The process of replacing a dental filling is quite simple. Your dentist will take out the old filling and check for decay or damage underneath.
The area is cleaned, and the new filling is placed and shaped to match the surrounding tooth structure. Composite resin is color-matched to the existing teeth, so the restoration is virtually invisible once the procedure is complete.
Final Thoughts
Dental fillings can last quite a long while, but they can also wear down and require replacement. If you have noticed sensitivity or pain in your dental filling, reach out to the team at 183 Family Dentistry so we can evaluate and replace your filling if needed. Call us at (512) 259-3365 to schedule an appointment.