You may be putting off going to the dentist. Nearly a quarter of the American population has gone more than five years without seeing a dentist. As a result, many Americans have cavities and by the age of 65, 96% of Americans will have a tooth cavity.
If you’re like millions of Americans, you may have a cavity and had a filling. If so, you may be wondering how long do fillings last? MYCHN has taken a deep dive to find out!
What is the Lifespan of a Tooth Filling?
The average life span of a tooth filling is about ten years. However, that depends on a few factors:
- The type of Filling
There are different types of materials used for fillings. We will list and explain the different types of fillings later. It is important to note that some fillings last longer than others.
- How well you take care of your teeth
Your dental hygiene or lack thereof can affect how long your fillings last. If you don’t brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day, you’re increasing the chances of bacteria forming in your teeth. These bacteria can cause cavities and wither down your fillings.
- Diet
If you eat a lot of sugary foods or hard foods like nuts, ice, and hard candy, you can dramatically increase the wear and decay of your fillings.
Different types of fillings
There are four main types of fillings that dentists use on patients.
- Amalgam Fillings: Amalgam Fillings are a common type of filling. Dentists have used them for over 150 years. Amalgam fillings are made up of mostly silver. However, they are mixed with other metals, such as copper, tin alloy particles, and elemental mercury.
How long do they last? Studies show that Amalgam fillings last from about 7 – 15 years on average.
- Composite Fillings: Composite fillings are another popular type of filling. Unlike Amalgam fillings, Composite fillings blend in with the surrounding teeth. This is because they are the same color as your teeth. Composite fillings are made from acrylic and ceramic resins.
How long do they last? Studies have shown that composite fillings last an average of 7 years. However, other research has shown that these fillings can last up to 10 years if patients have good dental hygiene.
Gold Fillings: Yes, some fillings are made from gold! These fillings are more expensive than the previous types of fillings. However, that lasts substantially longer.
How long do they last? According to the American Dental Association, gold fillings can last for about 20 years.
- Ceramic Fillings: Ceramic fillings are made from porcelain. Believe it or not, Ceramic fillings can be more expensive than gold fillings! These fillings are made in a dental lab and later glued to the teeth.
How long do they last? Ceramic Fillings can last for 15 years or longer.
What are Fillings?
Fillings are made of different materials; they fill a hole in your tooth after a cavity has been drilled out.
What does that mean? When you get a cavity in a tooth, bacteria form and decay your tooth. Dentists will drill this decaying part of your tooth out so that it does not decay your entire tooth or spread.
After the decayed part of your tooth is drilled out, the dentist will place a filling in the hole left behind. This will seal the hole to protect it from bacteria and further decay.
How Do I Know if I Need a New Filling?
If you can run your tongue along your teeth and you can feel the hole rather than the filling, chances are you’re due for a new filling. One of the best ways to determine if your filling needs to be replaced is during a routine visit to the dentist. You may not notice any cracks or bacteria forming under your fillings.
Your dentist has special tools to see hard-to-reach spots in your mouth. Your dentist can also use a dental X-ray to look for bacteria forming under your fillings.
Dental Fillings Near Me
Are you looking for a dentist? Do you need fillings or other dental services? MYCHN has you covered! We offer dental fillings, dental cleanings, and other dental services. Please visit https://mychn.org/services/dental-services/ to learn more.
Bottom Line
Fillings do not last forever. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you practice proper dental care. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist, and a balanced diet are all essential to proper dental care. It is recommended that you visit the dentist every six months for the best dental care and preventative measures.
Improper dental care can result in cavities and the decay of fillings. The average filling lasts for about a decade, give or take, depending on dental hygiene.
