On a long road trip, you may fill your gas tank and wonder how far it will take you. You hope for good gas mileage and a smooth ride until you gas up next. You may have similar thoughts when you have a tooth filled. Perhaps you wonder when your tooth-colored filling will need to be replaced. How long will the filling last?

The answer varies from person to person, but fillings can last between 7 and 10 years or even longer. What determines a filling’s longevity? How do you know it’s time to replace it? How can you stretch your fillings to the maximum? Keep reading to find out!

The snow is melting, the grass is beginning to grow back, and flowers are blooming—it must be spring. This time of year, many people take the opportunity to make a fresh start for their homes and personal lives. They clear out the attic, scrub areas of their house that haven’t received much attention during winter, and make positive changes in their lifestyle.

Although it may not be the first to-do item on your list, getting your teeth professionally cleaned and examined should be part of your spring cleaning this year!