How long do tooth fillings last?

On average, you can expect a metal filling to last for about 15 years before needing to be replaced, but the length of time can vary based on several factors, such as if you grind or clench your teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are made from a mixture of fine glass and plastic particles.

How often do fillings need to be replaced?

Your Filling is Old. Depending on the type of material used (eg. amalgam or composite resin), fillings often last between 7-15 years. If your filling is old and starting to show some signs of wear and tear, it's important to replace it before it cracks.

Do dental fillings last forever?

Although some of the materials are strong and durable, none are considered permanent. This means that fillings do not last forever. One of the main factors that determine how long a filling lasts is the material used to fill the tooth. Gold and amalgam often last the longest.

How do you know when a filling needs replacing?

Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common signs that you need to replace a filling. If the filling is worn out or missing, your tooth will become more sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods. Your tooth may also be sensitive to touch with your finger, toothbrush, or another dental tool.

Can a filling last 20 years?

Some materials are more durable than others, but none are considered permanent. Both gold and amalgam fillings can last up to 20 years in the right circumstances. Porcelain and composite fillings can be more fragile — but also more cosmetically appealing.

How long do fillings last?

Can fillings last 30 years?

Gold fillings last the longest, anywhere from 15 to 30 years. Silver amalgam fillings can last from 10 to 15 years before they need to be replaced. Composite resin fillings don't last as long. You may need to replace them every five to seven years.

How many cavities is normal in a lifetime?

Pretty much everyone gets a cavity or two in their lifetime, even with good dental hygiene. The average American adult has three fillings. But if you tend to get a lot of cavities, you may be wondering why. Are you more cavity-prone than other people?

Can you get decay under a filling?

When a dental filling fails, decay-causing bacteria can get under the filling. The decay can then infect the dental pulp and cause other problems. It is always beneficial if problems with existing fillings are detected and treated in the early stages.

Is it painful to get a filling replaced?

Recovering from a Tooth Filling

If you experience sensitivity, or feel pain in your tooth, let your dentist know right away. So, while you can expect some mild discomfort and sensitivity when getting a filling, it is not normally a painful procedure and is not something to fear.

Can you replace a filling with another filling?

So, what can you expect from a filling replacement procedure? Well, it's mostly the same as a regular filling procedure, but with a tad more work on the part of the dentist, who will remove the old or damaged filling and replace it with a new one.

What are the disadvantages of tooth filling?

There are two main risks to getting fillings: infection and damage. Sometimes when you get a filling, it can pull away from the tooth which leaves a small space open. This space is an area where bacteria can get in and cause more tooth decay and infection. Cavity fillings can also break or fall out completely.

Can you have too many fillings?

There is no single number of how many times you can have a filling replaced. Usually, we will stop replacing the dental filling after the hole becomes too large. Once you have more filling material than natural tooth material your tooth no longer holds enough strength.

Why is my white filling turning black?

When fluids leak underneath a filling, staining and decay may develop. Leakage may appear as a dark line around the edge of the filling or a dark area underneath the filling itself. White fillings may turn a darker color over time from smoking, drying out or exposure to high staining foods or drinks.

What happens if you don't replace a filling?

If a filling isn't replaced within a few days, it could cause damage to the unprotected tooth. Bacteria and food particles can stick into the empty space, causing decay. Also, the missing filling can expose dentin, the second layer of tooth under the hard outer enamel.

How do dentists remove old fillings?

A High Volume Suction device will be used. This suction pulls all particles away from the tooth as the filling is being drilled out. Powdered charcoal and chlorella are placed in your mouth under the rubber dam.

Why does my filling hurt after years?

An irritated nerve is not uncommon when a deep filling is placed. Irritated nerves can result in inflammation and can cause pain. Your enamel and cementum usually protect the nerve from exposure, but deep fillings can reach the nerve endings and cause uncomfortable, sharp sensations.

Do tooth fillings smell?

If a filling fails, then you may develop a nasty case of bad breath. You may also have a bad taste in your mouth. This smell or taste doesn't go away even after you clean your teeth. If this taste or smell is down to a problem filling, then it's a sign that you have some decay issues going on behind the scenes.

Can a cavity grow on a filling?

Unfortunately, tooth decay can still happen underneath a filling, especially if the filling has been cracked, worn, or otherwise damaged. In these cases, bacteria can enter your tooth and a new cavity can start again.

Can I wait 6 months to fill a cavity?

Every Cavity Is Different

Some people have softer tooth enamel than others, making it easier for bacteria or acid to penetrate the tooth. On average, as a broad timeline, it can take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity needs treatment.

At what age do your teeth start decaying?

Parents are often surprised to learn that tooth decay can begin as soon as a baby's teeth come in, usually by age six months. Decay in baby teeth can cause pain, and the infection can spread. If decay is not treated, it can destroy the baby teeth.

Why do I get cavities even though I brush?

Your biofilm becomes plaque and tartar if it builds up too much, and we keep the amount of it under control with good brushing and flossing. In healthy mouths it's a well-balanced mix of good bugs and bad bugs that live with us. However, when the biofilm gets off balance problems, like cavities, can develop.

Do fillings mold to your teeth?

The filling will replace the part of your tooth the decay destroyed. During the cavity filling process, your dentist will mold the filling to match the shape of your tooth.

Are fillings stronger than teeth?

While dental filling material has improved over the last few decades, fillings are still softer than the enamel the surrounding tooth is composed of. This means they may not be able to survive the same forces of chewing and biting as the natural enamel.

How can you tell if a filling is leaking?

If you notice that your teeth are darkening, it may be the result of the metal leaking out of the filling and into your tooth. You may also feel soreness, or notice that your filling can “give” under pressure. Both are symptoms of a failing amalgam filling.