Dental fillings are not like dairy products; they do not have a fixed expiry date. Some dental fillings stay sound for many years, while others need attention sooner because of changes to the filling, the tooth, or how the tooth is used.
In other words, age does not matter in how long a filling lasts as much as its condition. In this article, we have a look at how fillings age and how your dentist knows when one needs replacing.
What Factors Affect How Long a Filling Lasts?
One important factor is how much of the original tooth was replaced. A larger filling that replaces more of the tooth’s structure can be more vulnerable to failure because less natural tooth supports it.
Additionally, tooth clenching and grinding, a condition known as bruxism, can put considerable pressure on teeth and fillings. Prolonged bruxism can contribute to cracked or broken teeth and broken fillings. If you grind or clench your teeth, your dentist may recommend a custom night guard to help protect your teeth and fillings from damage.
Your daily habits can also affect how long your fillings last. For example, using your teeth to bite hard objects, such as ice, fingernails, or packaging, can place unnecessary forces on teeth and restorations.
Furthermore, consuming too many sugary or acidic foods or drinks can impact the tooth enamel around fillings. For example, sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth, producing the acid that attacks enamel, while acidic foods and drinks erode enamel directly. Cavities in adults commonly develop around existing fillings or on exposed tooth roots, but brushing twice a day and flossing between the teeth every day can help control the plaque that contributes to tooth decay.
Dry mouth, typically caused by reduced saliva flow, is another consideration. Saliva helps wash away acids to help protect enamel. Sipping water throughout the day can help, but persistent dry mouth should be mentioned to your dentist so they can investigate the underlying cause.
What Makes One Filling Last Longer Than Another?
Some patients get several fillings during the same visit at their dentist’s office, but each filling will likely have its own lifespan. That’s because, in most cases, each filling is on a different tooth, and each tooth experiences different levels of chewing forces and oral hygiene.
For example, back teeth generally handle heavier chewing forces than front teeth, which puts more wear on back-tooth fillings. Similarly, back teeth can be harder to keep clean. Both factors can potentially shorten a filling’s lifespan.
That does not automatically mean fillings in front teeth always last longer than fillings in the back. Every mouth, bite, and oral health situation is different. Your dentist will monitor the condition of your fillings at every visit, so you never have to wonder about their lifespan.
How Dentists Assess the Condition of Your Fillings
Regular dental visits are one of the most effective ways to help your fillings last as long as possible. During your routine examination, your dentist will prioritize checking the filling’s margin, which is the area where the filling meets the natural tooth. Over time, this area can deteriorate and a small gap where fluid and bacteria can enter the area, potentially leading to tooth decay, can develop.
Your dentist will also assess the condition of the surrounding tooth, as well as how the tooth fits into your bite. They may also recommend dental X-rays to check the health of the tooth’s interior, tooth root and surrounding jawbone.
In short, your dentist will use a range of procedures and tools to determine whether a tooth filling needs further treatment.
Monitor, Repair, or Replace the Filling?
Based on your dentist’s findings during the examination, they will generally make one of these three recommendations:
- Monitor: This may be recommended when a small change is present but does not appear to be progressing rapidly.
- Repair: Your dentist may recommend repairing a small defect rather than automatically replacing the whole filling.
- Replacement: If your dentist detects excessive wear, fracture of the filling material or tooth, loss of retention, or recurrent decay, they may consider replacing the whole filling.
There are other possible outcomes that depend on the condition of the tooth. For example, if the tooth no longer has enough healthy structure to support another filling, your dentist will examine it and discuss the restoration options that suit that tooth.
Changes Worth Mentioning to Your Dentist
Although you cannot diagnose the condition of a filling yourself, there are signs to watch for that suggest your fillings may need to be examined by a dental professional. Be sure to report any of the following oral health changes to your dentist:
- Floss that repeatedly catches or shreds in one particular spot, potentially indicating a rough filling margin
- New sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods or drinks in a tooth that has had a filling for some time
- A rough or sharp edge in your filling that you keep finding with your tongue
- A change in the way your bite feels
- A noticeable darkening or colour change at the edge of a tooth-coloured filling
If any of these changes are becoming more noticeable or causing daily discomfort, or if you are simply ready for your next regular checkup, call our expert team at Yonge Eglinton Dental. We will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums and make professional recommendations on how we can help protect your smile.
Make an appointment with us today. We are here to help!
Learn More About How Long Fillings Can Last from our Dentists at Yonge and Eglinton
Contact Yonge Eglinton Dental when you are ready to optimize your family’s oral health. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment today by calling 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
Frequently Asked Questions About How Long Fillings Last
Can decay form around or under a filling?
Yes. The Canadian Dental Association notes that adult cavities commonly develop around existing fillings.
My filling has come out. What should I do?
Call your dental office and describe what happened. The dental team can advise you about what to do next and whether the tooth should be assessed.
Will replacing a filling be uncomfortable?
The area is generally frozen before the procedure to provide comfort. If you experience sensitivity after treatment, tell your dental team.
Why does my filling look darker around the edge?
A change in colour around a filling is worth mentioning to your dentist, but colour change alone does not tell you whether the filling needs to be replaced. Your dentist will assess the margin, the filling, and the surrounding tooth to determine whether there is a clinical concern.
Why does my floss keep catching around one filling?
Floss catching or shredding in one area can have several possible explanations. A rough margin is one possibility. Mention the change to your dentist so they can examine the area rather than trying to determine the cause yourself.
Can a filling be repaired instead of replaced?
Yes, in some cases, repairing small defects is preferable to removing and replacing the entire restoration. The appropriate approach depends on the condition of the filling and the surrounding tooth.
Can a filling need attention even if I have no symptoms?
Yes. Some dental problems do not produce noticeable symptoms, especially in their early stages. Routine examinations allow your dentist to assess previous dental work and look for changes you may not be able to see yourself.
