If you have ever received dental fillings, you might wonder to yourself, how long do dental fillings last? It is true that patients often have to have their dental fillings replaced. How long a dental filling lasts is often determined by how a patient takes care of their teeth. In fact, the most common reason a filling might break or fall out is not because of the durability of the filling, but of the surrounding tooth. A cavity can reform next to a dental filling just like formed the first time. This can create pockets around a filling which can lead to it falling out. In this article, we will cover how dental fillings work, what impacts how long they last, and the importance of routine dental care. For family dentists in Chicago, contact Dental Town Chicago.
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?
Dental fillings can last anywhere from less than 5 years to more than 20 years, this is because there are many different factors that impact how fillings work. The two most important factors are the patient’s oral health and the material used for the filling. Bacteria in the mouth causes a tooth to erode. While this starts with the enamel, eventually the inside of the tooth gets exposed. This allows bacteria to infect the tooth pulp and cause severe dental infections. Bacteria can gather in the gaps between teeth but also the natural border between a filling and a tooth. So if you have a filling already, it is not uncommon for bacteria to start to form new cavities around that filling. That is why it is so important to brush and floss and to see your dentist. While people should be doing that regardless, patients who already have fillings, crowns, implants, or bridges should make an extra effort to care for teeth.
Which Dental Filling Materials Last The Longest?
There are many different filling materials that can be used. Most commonly, dentists use ceramic, porcelain, or composite materials. In the old days it was very common to use metals like gold. But these fillings did not really blend into a patient’s smile. That said, the metal fillings were very durable and could last upwards of 20 years with proper dental care. But modern materials like dental composites can last well 15 years as long as a patient takes care of their teeth.
How Do You Prevent Your Fillings From Falling Out?
Take care of your teeth. Brush your teeth for two minutes at a time, twice every day. Floss your teeth at least once per day and make sure you floss against both sides. And most importantly: See your dentist twice yearly. A quick dental visit can be difference from finding the beginning of a dental issue and a cavity. Our teeth are not great at letting us know when they are eroding, and a lot of dental problems can be prevented with exams and cleanings.
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