Dental Filling Protips: Learn About Your Restoration’s Longevity

You recently got a dental filling. But you were so focused on the treatment and aftercare instructions that you forgot to ask about one tiny detail. How long should you expect your filling to last? After all, you’re pretty sure it’s not made of something like stainless steel. Now that you’re thinking about it, how will you know when it’s time to replace it?

We’ve got the answers to those questions right here. And for a little bonus content, we’ll look at ways you can ensure your dental filling lasts for as long as possible. Just keep reading for some protips.

How Long Can I Expect My Dental Filling to Last?

How long your dental filling lasts depends on a couple of factors. A major one is the material it’s made of.

The metal amalgam fillings from the days of dentistry past received some stigmatization because of their obvious silver (or gold) color. However, on average they hold up for about 15 years!

These days composite resin is a more popular material choice for dental fillings. They generally last seven years, which is still a good while, and patients love that they’re tooth-colored. You won’t have to endure any dad-jokes about metal teeth!

How Will I Know When it’s Time to Replace My Dental Filling?

It’s difficult for an untrained eye to notice when a dental filling needs replaced. By the time your restored tooth starts to feel some discomfort, it’s probably been too long.

Your dentist can still make the replacement, but they also could’ve spared you from some trouble. See, dentists have special tools for examining dental fillings. If you visit your dentist just twice a year per recommendation, they can check on your filling and replace it before it causes irritation.

How Can I Maintain my Dental Filling and Avoid Frequent Replacements?

Besides visiting your dentist twice a year for routine cleaning and maintenance, there are some things you can do at home to promote long-lasting fillings.

• Polish your teeth twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush
• Floss at least once a day, and whenever you get food stuck between your teeth
• Rinse your mouth out with warm water to loosen missed debris
• Avoid sugary and acidic foods that can wear down your filling
• Minimize eating hard or sticky foods that will put more strain on your filling
• Break bad biting habits like nail-biting, ice-chewing, or opening things with your teeth

As you might have noticed, the protips for preserving your dental filling are the same as protips for supporting healthy teeth! This isn’t meant to be a trick or “gotcha!” moment. The fact of the matter is that clean, sensible oral habits build the foundation of your oral health. Basically, if you’re not cleaning your teeth every day, you’re likely to develop problems for your natural teeth and their restorations!

Not the best at sticking to routines? Don’t worry! Your dentist can help you monitor your dental filling, clean your teeth, and offer habit-building suggestions. If you’re concerned about maintaining your oral care, rest assured that your dentist will help you come up with a strategy that works for you.

About the Practice

Drs. Daniel J. Berquist and Joseph Ornelas are passionate about patient care and education. To them, helping you feel confident in your dental treatment means blending compassionate service and clear communication. If you have questions or concerns about your dental filling, they’ll provide judgement-free consultation and keep you informed. To contact their office, call 219-362-8980 or explore their website for more information.