The vast majority of adults have dental fillings. That almost 91% of adults have at least one filling demonstrates how persistent tooth decay can be. However, fillings can wear down over time. Though not permanent, they can last for years, depending on the material and your oral care. Below, we answer the question: how long do dental fillings last?
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?
The short answer is dental fillings can last anywhere from 5 years to 3+ decades. But each patient will have a different experience. Dental filling durability depends on three central factors:
- Placement
- Oral Hygiene
- Filling Material
What Affects How Long Dental Fillings Last?
Placement
A dental filling treats a tooth with a cavity or wear from tooth decay. Most patients will have cavities in their molars or premolars. The uneven ridges of these teeth make cleaning them more difficult. This, in turn, allows decay to literally sink into the cracks.
For fillings placed on these teeth, patients can readily care for them with brushing. However, your dentist must skillfully place the filling and mold it to your tooth’s natural shape. A poorly placed filling can interfere with your bite and may wear down more quickly.
Additionally, dental fillings placed in harder-to-reach places may receive less at-home care. In short, a filling’s location can expose it to more or less wear.
Oral Hygiene
A filling will treat tooth decay, but that does not mean patients can let up on their oral hygiene routines. A filling gives you a clean slate, and then you have to take the next step.
Fortunately, healthy at-home dental hygiene has always been relatively simple. Brush twice a day (ideally after meals) and floss once a day. In total, you will need less than 10 minutes a day for an effective at-home oral care routine.
Flossing at any point in the day is great. However, you may benefit most if you floss at night following your last meal (or snack). Evening flossing can prove less rushed and will remove food that could sit on your teeth overnight and cause buildup.
Filling Material
Dental fillings can be made of metal, composite resin, glass ionomer, and more. Each material has unique advantages. Usually, the trade-offs involve a combination of cosmetic appearance, cost, and durability.
For example, composite resin fillings blend in seamlessly with your tooth. No one should be able to spot them. However, they tend to have less durability. Most composite resin fillings will need replacing within 10 years.
On the other hand, gold fillings can last upward of 30 years. However, they are highly visible and can cost more. Options like glass ionomer may last only a few years but can release fluoride to benefit your teeth.
How to Choose a Filling Material
The right filling material will depend on your preferences and budget. During your dental appointment, you can thoroughly discuss each option with your dentist. Each solution will provide benefits for your smile, though, so do not stress about it too much.
Your dentist can work with you to weigh the cost, benefits, and limitations of each filling type. In the end, whichever option you choose will provide years of benefits.
Additional Factors That Influence How Long Fillings Last
Injuries
Contact sports injuries and motor vehicle collisions typically spell bad news for your teeth. For contact sports, we recommend wearing a sports guard to protect your teeth. As for motor vehicle collisions, there is no surefire way to avoid them. But safe, attentive driving can be a good start.
If you do have a dental injury, we recommend having it checked out. Even small cracks in fillings can allow bacteria to enter the tooth. Decay might start forming under the cavity, which could eventually lead to an infection. When in doubt, always lean toward having a quick dental exam to ensure your smile is not at risk.
Diet
Diets high in sugar can speed up tooth decay, especially when paired with inadequate oral hygiene. Additionally, eating hard foods may increase the risk of dislodging or damaging a dental filling. Your dentist can provide some guidance on dietary tips that can help keep your smile in good shape.
The Best Fillings Are the Ones You Have
In every case, having at least some dental filling is better than letting a cavity go untreated. Visit your dentist twice a year for exams to check for cavities and earlier signs of decay. Your smile will thank you for it.