Sweet Family Dentistry Blog

Dental fillings might be a fairly common treatment, but that doesn’t mean you know everything about them! Almost as typical as the fillings themselves is the question, “How long can I expect them to last?” After all, nothing lasts forever, so you’d probably like to have an idea of when you’ll need to book an appointment for a replacement.

While the lifespan of a filling can vary, there are things you can do to promote its longevity, and clear signs of wear that you can watch out for. Keep reading to learn all about it.

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How Long do Fillings Last?

There are two main types of dental fillings: metal amalgam and tooth-colored. How long they last ultimately comes down to how well you take care of them, though on average, metal amalgam fillings can hold up for about 15 years, and tooth-colored fillings hold up for about 10.

While metal fillings are more durable, tooth-colored materials have become the more popular choice because they look and feel more natural. They also don’t expand and contract under extreme heat or cold, which improves comfort.

Promoting the Longevity of Your Dental Filling

To take good care of your filling and help it last for as long as possible, follow these tips:

• Keep your teeth healthy by brushing twice per day, flossing once daily, and visiting your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
• Avoid bad dental habits like teeth grinding or clenching, crunching down on ice, and biting your nails.
• If you grind or clench your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about getting a customized nightguard to protect your smile.
• Prevent discoloration by drinking darkly colored liquids (such as coffee and tea) through a straw. Promptly wash down vibrant foods (like tomato-based sauces and berries) with water.

Knowing When It’s Time for A Replacecment

The best way to know when your filling needs replaced is to visit your dentist for those biannual checkups. They’ll thoroughly examine any existing dental work to make sure everything is in tip-top shape.

Otherwise, your filling may be nearing the end of its lifespan if:

• It becomes damaged or falls out
• You experience pain while chewing
• Hot and cold foods suddenly cause discomfort
• You’re no longer satisfied with its appearance

In Conclusion

When taken care of properly, dental fillings can last for 10 years or more. If you do notice signs of wear, it’s important to contact your dentist promptly so they can provide you with a replacement. Your dentist can also provide more personalized tips for extending the lifespan of your filling, so don’t hesitate to ask them for more advice!

About the Practice

Dr. Derek Chan and Dr. Josephine Yip are both highly experienced dentists who have completed a number of advanced training courses. They like to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in dentistry, including tooth-colored fillings. If you need a new filling or suspect it might be time for a replacement, contact Dr. Chan and Dr. Yip’s office at 972-905-0340.

Do you need a new dental filling? Whether you have decay that needs to be repaired, or you have old metal fillings that have seen better days, dental fillings can help to restore your teeth. Metal fillings are highly effective and long-lasting, but they have some downsides that many think outweigh their advantages. Read on to learn some reasons why you should choose a tooth-colored filling to repair your tooth.

If you’ve lost all your permanent teeth and now wear a full set of dentures, you may believe your days in the dental chair are over. After all, if you have no real teeth, what’s the point? But the truth is, just because you don’t have your biological smile doesn’t mean you don’t need to protect your oral health. In fact, taking care of your gums and your prosthetics is just as important after tooth loss as it was before. Here’s why if you wear dentures you still need to see the dentist every six months for your regular, preventive exams and cleanings!

Adjusting to life with dentures comes with a learning curve, and one of the most common challenges new denture-wearers face is speaking clearly. At first, you may notice slight changes in your voice, difficulty pronouncing certain words, or a feeling that your dentures shift when you talk. Thankfully, all of this is normal — and with a little patience and practice, your speech will improve significantly. Here are 5 helpful tips to make speaking with dentures easier and more natural.

A chipped tooth can happen in an instant—a sudden bite into something hard, an accidental fall, or even grinding your teeth at night. While a small chip might not cause pain right away, it’s natural to wonder if the tooth will heal or smooth out on its own. Unfortunately, unlike your bones or skin, teeth don’t have the ability to repair themselves. Once your enamel is damaged, it stays that way until a dentist treats it. Here’s what you should know about chipped teeth, what happens if you ignore them, and how they can be fixed.

Few things can ruin your day faster than throbbing, stinging tooth pain. It seems like no matter what you do, it sticks around, making daily life a chore as you wait for a dentist appointment. So, if you’re asking yourself, “What to do if I have a toothache?” Keep reading. You’ll find some fast, easy ways to soothe your pain at home.

Dentures are the tried-and-true solution for tooth loss because they’re a versatile way to restore your smile’s appearance and functionality. Whether you require a full or partial set, your dentist can customize your new teeth to look and feel as lifelike as possible.

These prosthetics are designed to fit like a glove, but can unfortunately become ill-fitting in time. This can cause them to become destabilized, which might lead to them falling out of your mouth, embarrassing you mid-meal or conversation. Continue reading to learn more about implant dentures, a more reliable solution for tooth loss!

Dental emergencies can strike at the most inconvenient times, whether it’s a broken tooth during vacation or a throbbing toothache on a weekend. While not all emergencies can be avoided, many can be prevented with good habits and a proactive approach to oral health. Here are 8 must-know tips to help you steer clear of unexpected trips to the dentist.

If you’re considering Invisalign or traditional braces, one of your main concerns is probably your smile’s aesthetics. No one can blame you for that – many patients find it difficult to feel confident in their teeth when they’re crooked. But did you know straightening your pearly whites can also benefit your long-term oral health? If you need more reasons to start your orthodontic treatment today, here are four advantages to consider!

Braces are a tried-and-true form of treatment that have assisted countless generations of patients with crooked teeth, bite issues, or other orthodontic issues. However, one thing that pretty much all potential orthodontic patients wonder before starting their treatment is: “How long will this process take from start to finish?” In truth, the answer depends on a few different factors, including the severity of your misalignment as well as your compliance with treatment. Here’s what you need to know.