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!
Factors Affecting How Long Fillings Last
The lifespan for dental fillings can vary from patient to patient and even tooth to tooth because there are many variables, including the following:
- Which tooth the filling is restoring. Molars tend to experience the strongest amount of pressure and force from chewing, which means that fillings on these teeth may wear down sooner than ones on front teeth.
- How old your filling is. Older fillings can have wear and tear that make them less effective.
- How well you care for the tooth and filling. If you neglect your fillings, they will require replacement much sooner than they would with careful maintenance.
Signs That Your Filling Needs to Be Replaced
When you visit with your dentist for your six-month checkup and cleaning, they will make sure your fillings stay in excellent condition. In fact, they are often the one who notices when fillings are ready to be replaced. However, if you happen to experience any of the following on your own, it could be time to get new fillings:
- Your filling comes out.
- You have tooth pain or your tooth cracks.
- Your filling is a drastically different color than your tooth.
- You still have metal fillings.
Making Your Fillings Last as Long as Possible
If you want to get the most out of your dental fillings, you must take care of them, but what does that entail? Daily efforts can go a long way to reduce oral bacteria and control plaque. At minimum, you need to brush and floss your teeth to remove bits of food and keep teeth clean and bright. You also should have less sugar and drink plenty of water throughout the day to help rinse your mouth of bad bacteria and keep your mouth adequately moist.
On top of your at-home efforts, you must go to your dentist’s office at least every six months for a checkup and cleaning. These routine appointments ensure the long-term health of your teeth and restorations.
Whether you get fillings or more intensive treatments, you can make your restored smile go the distance and last for many years to come with the help of your dentist.
About the Practice
At Beach Dental, we are committed to helping patients from East Moriches, Westhampton Beach, East Quogue, Westhampton, and Manorville achieve their best smile. In addition to tooth-colored fillings, we offer a wide range of restorative services, including crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants, which means every patient receives the care their smile needs. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alexis Gersten or Dr. Jason Parli, you may call our office at 631-325-0731 or visit our Contact Us page here.