There is a common myth that once you fill a cavity you are good for life. We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but dental fillings generally don’t last more than 20 years. Let’s learn more about dental fillings and how you can prolong their lifespan.
What are Fillings For?
When you experience tooth decay, a filling is the first life of defense used to remedy your smile. Your dentist will first drill away any deterioration, then will fill your tooth with a stand-in substance. Usually, this substance consists of either:
- Amalgam (an alloy of mercury, silver, copper, tin and sometimes zinc)
- Gold
- Porcelain
- Composite resin (tooth-colored fillings)
Composite resin is a popular material because it is tooth colored and blends in nicely with the rest of your teeth.
When Will I have to Replace my Filling?
Fillings can last anywhere from 7-20 years depending on the size of the filling, location, and your oral hygiene. Fillings often see a good bit of stress; every time we chew or put pressure on our teeth we increase the odds of loosening a filling. Loose fillings lead to pockets where food can collect and create decay.
It is especially important to make regular dental check-ups twice a year to ensure your filling isn’t damaging your tooth further! Individuals that wait could face an extraction or root canal to fix the problem.
Is there a Warranty on Fillings?
GVR Dental offers a warranty on dental fillings for 5 years as long as you visit us twice a year for a dental cleaning! If your filling fails because of decay, misfitting, or breakage, we will refund you the cost of the procedure.
For Best Results, Avoid Decay
In order to keep your filling in shape, we recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist twice a year- your teeth will thank you!