What Is the Lifespan of Dental Fillings?

Information has not been updated for a long time

Different dental fillings last for different amounts of time. Hard-filling materials (such as gold, silver, or ceramic) are utilized to restore decayed or broken teeth. They fill gaps left by tooth damage. Dental fillings, in most cases, cannot entirely cure all of the damage to teeth, but they are required to replace the tooth structure that has been compromised due to tooth decay and prevent it from increasing.

The type of cavity filling used determines the durability and longevity of the filling. There are numerous sorts of filler materials. The doctor chooses the filling (with the patient's consent) based on the severity and location of the tooth damage.

Dental Filling Types

- Cast gold fillings should last at least 10 to 15 years. They are long-lasting, resistant to erosion, and can survive vigorous chewing. Some patients prefer gold fillings to silver fillings. Cast gold fillings have the disadvantage of being pricey. A gold filling should not be placed near a silver amalgam filling since it can induce a galvanic shock, resulting in acute discomfort. Some patients dislike gold-colored fillings;

- Silver amalgam fillings also endure around 10 to 15 years. Silver fillings have the advantage of being more durable than composite (tooth-colored) fillings. They are capable of withstanding strong forces. They cost less than gold and composite fillings. However, patients may not find silver fillings aesthetically pleasant. They may cause a gray staining on the adjacent tooth. To fit and hold silver fillings, healthy areas of the tooth must also be removed. Because all teeth expand and contract in the presence of hot and cold meals and drinks, silver can cause the tooth to shatter. Some people may be allergic to the 1% mercury content of silver amalgam fillings;

- Tooth-colored or composite fillings typically last 5 years. Because the color closely matches the existing teeth, they are cosmetically pleasant. As a result, they're great for restoring visible teeth. Composite fillings are particularly well suited for usage on front teeth or visible sections of the teeth, and they are versatile enough to be used to repair chipped or worn-out teeth. Unlike silver amalgam fillings, only a small portion of the healthy tooth must be removed. These fillings are not as durable and cannot sustain chewing forces as gold and silver ones. They are susceptible to chipping and cost more than amalgam fillings;

- Ceramic fillings have a lifespan of more than 15 years. They last longer than composite fillings but cost the same;

- Glass ionomer fillings have a 5-year lifespan. They're made of acrylic and a form of glass. They are most commonly used in children and for fillings behind the gum line. Fluoride is released by glass ionomers, which can help prevent the tooth from further decay;

- Indirect fillings, like tooth-colored fillings, are made at a dental laboratory. They normally need two doctor visits before they may be placed. Indirect fillings may be employed when there is insufficient good tooth structure to support a filling. The decay or old filling is removed during the first visit, and an impression/mold of the teeth is obtained to construct the indirect filling in the lab. A temporary filling is applied to the tooth to safeguard it until the permanent filling is created in the lab. The temporary filling is removed, and the indirect filling is permanently inserted on the second visit.

Indirect fillings are classified into two types. They both have a longer lifespan and are more robust than standard fillings. Inlays are similar to fillings in that they are placed within the tooth cusps and cover the chewing surface of the tooth. Onlays involve one or more dental cusps. They are sometimes known as partial crowns.

Temporary fillings typically last a month. They can be used in the following scenarios:

1. For fillings that require more than one visit until a permanent filling may be placed;

2. After a root canal procedure;

3. If the pulp of the tooth gets irritated, a temporary filling may be inserted to protect the tooth, minimize sensitivity, and pain;

4. If you require emergency dental care.