The eternal question that is always asked in dentists’ offices refers to the duration of dental fillings. Although popular belief says that these restorations last a lifetime, the truth is that this is a misleading fact. It is necessary to know that a dental filling, as a general rule, will have a specific duration.
Fillings usually withstand a lot of pressure because of the bite, so the most common thing is that they do not last a lifetime placed in place and in perfect condition.
The material with which these dental restorations are manufactured, unfortunately, are not strong enough to withstand the passing of the years, ensuring that the oral cavity maintains all its functionalities. For this reason, periodic check-ups with the dentist are so important. The specialist will review the exact situation of each filling, being able to detect cracks or injuries that affect oral health.
When to change a filling?
Fillings must be replaced for various reasons. It is possible for a dental filling to crack, break or even fall out. In these cases, the visit to the dentist is required.
The professional will study the case and may offer the most appropriate solution for the patient’s dental health. Periodic dental examinations are performed by small oral radiographs on each side of the mouth, where you can see if there are any cavities below the fillings or are infiltrated.
In these cases, it must be renewed because if it is not possible for a while the nerve is affected and the patient comes with pain or infection in the said tooth.
It is possible that a routine visit to the dental clinic, the dentist detects a tooth filling in poor condition. In these cases, it is likely that the professional can repair the restoration easily, without having to remove it. However, this will have to be assessed by the dentist after performing the relevant analyzes and studies.
Finally, it should be noted that taking care of tooth cavity filling may extend their useful life. For this, it is essential to carry out appropriate dental hygiene routines and periodically visit the dental clinic.
What is the average duration of a dental filling?
Typically, a composite filling, which is the most used material, lasts about 10 years. And metal amalgam fillings last a little longer, about 15 years. But they are almost no longer used, among other things, for their dark aesthetic color.
How can I take care of my dental filling?
Good oral hygiene helps you protect the tooth that supports them, watching if you see fissures in the filling, you notice dental sensitivity or if you think you are missing a piece of filling.
Our best advice is that you go to regular check-ups at your dental clinic to check the status of your fillings thanks to the x-rays, indicating if there were any infiltrates or dental caries.
Types of dental fillings:
A few years ago the most common was to use silver amalgam fillings. Today this technique is in disuse, although there are still professionals who use it in their clinics.
These types of fillings last a few years longer than composite ones. But we must know that, because it contains mercury, its use is discouraged.
In addition, amalgam fillings are not aesthetically pleasing for dental veneers. Of course, if you carry an amalgam filling, it is most likely that if it is in perfect condition, the dentist does not recommend removing it, since the release of mercury may be higher.
On the other hand, composite fillings are made through moldable resins that guarantee a much more adequate and careful aesthetic. These types of restorations are the ones that are most used today in dental clinics. It should be noted that the duration of composite fillings is not usually longer than 10 years.
However, any filling must be checked periodically, since it is possible that there is an undetectable crack or fissure for the patient. Through these small grooves, bacteria can sneak in and damage the tooth, causing the dreaded decay.
Can a dental filling be dropped?
Yes, they can fall for different reasons or they can also crack. Although it is the dentist who must check the condition of our dental filling, in case it is necessary to change it.
– If the filling material is not able to withstand the forces or by excessive pressure normally on a tooth with a large filling.
– If the filling protrudes from the contact surface as it will be under a lot of pressure when chewing.
– If the filling is left saliva in the cavity preventing the sealing material from adhering properly.
Visiting the dentist is the most appropriate option to check the health of dental fillings, whatever they are.