What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are restorative materials used to repair teeth damaged by tooth decay or trauma. Dental fillings actually fill a space in the tooth that develops due to decay. Fillings restore strength and function to a tooth and make the natural tooth look healthy again.

Fillings also prevent further tooth decay by sealing off the affected area. This stops bacteria from entering and causing more damage.

When you need a filling, your dentist will remove decayed portions of the tooth, clean the area, and apply the tooth filling material. This material is shaped to match your tooth’s natural contours.

Depending on the filling material, it’s difficult to tell the natural tooth from the filling, unless you use amalgam fillings, in which case you will see silver fillings.

The average lifespan of a dental filling varies depending on several factors, including:

• Filling material
• Size and location of the filling
• Oral hygiene practices
• Diet
• Lifestyle 

Generally, dental fillings can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or more.

However, regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the condition of fillings and determine when replacement may be necessary. Also, maintaining good oral hygiene habits and promptly addressing any dental issues can help prolong the lifespan of fillings.

Several factors affect the longevity of a dental filling, including:

Size and Location of Filling

The location of the tooth filling, as well as its size, affects how long it lasts. Fillings that face more frequent stress and pressure from chewing are less likely to last as long as fillings are located where you don’t do much chewing. The proximity to your gum line also matters. Like anything, the more you use a filling, the sooner it will wear down.

Oral Hygiene Practices

Taking care of your oral health is essential for extending the lifespan of your fillings. It might help to view fillings as a wake-up call for dental health.

If you’ve had to get a filling because you didn’t do all you could to keep your teeth healthy, a filling is an excellent opportunity to reassess your dental routine and determine how to improve it.

Of course, not every filling is due to poor dental health. However, many are due to below-average dental health. Improving your dental health can extend the life of your filling.

Good dental health includes regular brushing and flossing, regular dental cleanings and check-ups, and healthy diet and lifestyle habits.

Avoiding sugary foods and drinks and using tools to stop teeth grinding if this is a problem is also helpful. This also improves your overall health, so it’s a win-win choice.

Types of Fillings

There are several types of fillings. Each has an average lifespan that is affected by the other factors. Choosing the type of filling with the longest average lifespan is a good place to start if you want a long-lasting filling.

• Silver amalgam fillings: made of a combination of metals, typically last around 10-15 years
• Composite resin fillings: tooth-coloured and made of resin, have a lifespan of 5-10 years
• Ceramic fillings: strong and natural-looking, can endure 10-15 years or more
• Glass ionomer fillings: commonly used for children, may last 5 years.

Individual Variations in Oral Health

Taking care of your oral health and protecting your fillings is integral to extending their lifespan. However, there are many factors you cannot control. For example:

Genetics

Genetics plays a significant role in dental health. Your family health history impacts your risk of various oral issues like cavities, gum disease, and enamel strength. Individuals with a genetic predisposition to dental issues may experience more frequent decay or enamel erosion, shortening the life of dental fillings.

Factors like saliva composition, tooth structure, and immune response influenced by genetics can affect the longevity of fillings. When you know your genetic risks and are proactive about regular check-ups, you enhance the durability of your fillings.

Overall Health

Various medical conditions can significantly impact oral health and the lifespan of dental fillings. Conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and osteoporosis can weaken the gums and bone structure supporting the fillings, leading to premature failure.

Some medications, including those for high blood pressure or chemotherapy, can also lead to dry mouth or other side effects affecting oral health.

Additionally, habits like smoking can compromise oral tissues and decrease the longevity of fillings. You can preserve the life of dental fillings by:

• Managing underlying health conditions
• Maintaining good oral hygiene
• Understanding medication side effects

Tips for Prolonging the Lifespan of Dental Fillings

You can do several things to protect and even extend the life of your dental fillings. For example:

• Maintain good oral hygiene: This includes twice-daily brushing, which reduces the risk of decay around fillings and extends the lifespan of a filling
• Avoid hard or sticky foods: Minimize exposure to foods that can crack or dislodge fillings
• Attend regular dental check-ups: Routine exams allow dentists to detect any issues early, preventing potential complications and ensuring the longevity of fillings
• Address grinding (bruxism): Wear a night guard to protect fillings from the damaging effects of grinding, preserving their structural integrity and lifespan
• Adopt a tooth-friendly diet: Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks to reduce the risk of decay and erosion around fillings, promoting their longevity and durability

Understanding the things that affect the life of your dental fillings is an important part of protecting your investment. The more you know about fillings and how to keep them healthy, the better.

Proactive dental care and caring for your dental health, in general, is important for your dental fillings, teeth, and overall oral health.