Dental fillings can last anywhere between 5 and 30 years. The lifespan of your dental filling depends on the material it’s made from, your oral hygiene habits, and where the filling is situated. You should also visit your dentist regularly for check-ups, especially if you notice a change in the texture of your filling.
Knowing which filling is right for your teeth requires advice from a dentist. At Radiant Smiles Dental Care our professionals explain the distinctions between different kinds of fillings, what they’re made from, and how long each one lasts. Knowing this important information will help you make sound decisions and care for your fillings more effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Dental fillings are made from various materials, each one specifically designated for different areas of your mouth.
- The lifespan of a dental filling depends on the material (its composition) and how well you care for it.
- Amalgam fillings are used significantly less often because they contain mercury.
- There are various pros and cons for different types of dental fillings to consider and discuss with your dentist before you choose the right one.
What are Dental Fillings Made from?
Dental fillings are made from a variety of different materials, including amalgam, composite resin, ceramic, gold, and glass ionomer:
- Amalgam: A combination of silver, tin, copper, and mercury
- Composite Resin: A combination of plastic and glass dust
- Ceramic: Tooth-coloured, stain resistant porcelain
- Gold: A combination of gold, copper, and other metals
- Glass Ionomer: A combination of glass dust and acrylic
According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), amalgam fillings are gradually being phased out in Australia. However, there isn’t cause for alarm for those who already have them. Amalgam has raised some health concerns because they have elemental mercury. From January 2024 onwards, amalgam can only be used in pre-dosed or capsulated forms, and bulk mercury is no longer allowed.
How Long do Different Kinds of Dental Fillings Last?
Gold and metal dental fillings can easily last up to 30 years, whereas glass ionomer and composite resin fillings tend to last for 5 to 10 years. Here’s a quick look at how long different kinds of dental fillings last:
- Amalgam fillings can last up to 15 years.
- Composite resin fillings can last up to 10 years.
- Ceramic porcelain fillings can last up to 15 years.
- Gold and metallic fillings last up to 30 years.
- Glass ionomer fillings can last up to 7 years.
Dental Fillings: A Comparison
We’ve outlined the major differences between the main types of dental fillings below:
| Type of Filling | Composition | Typical Uses | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amalgam (Silver Fillings) | Mercury, silver, tin, copper | Back teeth (molars) where durability is needed | 10 to 15 years |
| Composite Resin | Plastic and fine glass particles | • Front or visible teeth • Small cavities |
5 to 10 years |
| Ceramic (Porcelain) | Porcelain material | • Inlays, onlays, crowns • Large cavities |
10 to 15 years |
| Gold Fillings | Gold, copper, other metals | • Large cavities • Long-term restorations |
15 to 30 years |
| Glass Ionomer | Acrylic and glass powder | • Small fillings • Children’s teeth • Non-load-bearing areas |
5 to 7 years |
Dental Fillings: Pros and Cons
Let’s have a look at the benefits and drawbacks of the different types of dental fillings:
| Type of Filling | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Amalgam (Silver Fillings) | • Strong and long-lasting • Cost-effective |
• Contains mercury • Noticeable silver colour • May expand over time |
| Composite Resin | • Tooth-coloured • Bonds well to enamel • Less drilling required |
• Less durable than amalgam • More expensive • Can stain over time |
| Ceramic (Porcelain) | • Stain-resistant • Natural-looking • Durable |
• Expensive • Brittle • Requires multiple visits |
| Gold Fillings | • Very durable • Does not corrode • Strong chewing support |
• Very expensive • Noticeable gold colour • Multiple visits required |
| Glass Ionomer | • Releases fluoride to prevent decay • Bonds well to enamel |
• Weaker than other fillings • Prone to wear and fractures |
What Causes Fillings to Wear Down Faster?
The main causes of dental fillings wearing down faster are regularly chewing or biting down on hard foods or objects and grinding your teeth. Other reasons for fillings wearing down faster include:
- Bad oral hygiene habits like not brushing twice a day
- Avoiding check-ups at the dentist
- Using the wrong type of filling for certain areas of the mouth
- Exerting any excessive force on your teeth and fillings, such as jaw clenching
So, how long does a cavity filling last? A lot depends on you! Another reason your fillings may wear out faster is because of a high-sugar or acidic diet. Sugary foods weaken the enamel around your teeth. This weakening can compromise the fitted filling and make them wear out or fall out completely.
What you eat affects your filling in other ways too. For instance, eating hot food and immediately switching to cold foods can make certain fillings expand and contract too rapidly. This will also cause the filling to wear out faster, so make sure you break between hot and cold foods like coffee and ice cream.
Where the filling needs to be fitted is also very important. Some fillings won’t work in certain areas of your mouth. Here’s a quick breakdown on where respective fillings are used:
| Type of Filling | Best Placement | Poor Placement | What Happens if Used in the Wrong Area? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amalgam (Silver Fillings) | • Molars and premolars • High-pressure chewing areas |
• Front teeth • Thin enamel areas |
• Highly visible and unaesthetic • May cause cracks over time due to expansion and contraction |
| Composite Resin | • Front teeth for a natural look • Small to medium cavities in molars |
• Large molar cavities • High-pressure areas |
• May wear down faster and require frequent replacement • May chip or break |
| Ceramic (Porcelain) | • Large cavities in visible areas • Inlays, onlays, and crowns |
• Back molars • Small cavities |
• May be too brittle and crack under heavy pressure • More expensive if used unnecessarily in small cavities |
| Gold Fillings | • Large cavities in molars and premolars • Areas needing maximum durability |
• Front teeth • Small cavities |
• Highly visible and unaesthetic • If used for small cavities, it may be unnecessarily expensive |
| Glass Ionomer | • Small cavities • Non-load-bearing areas • Children’s teeth (fluoride release helps prevent decay) |
• High-pressure chewing areas • Large cavities |
• May wear down quickly • May be too weak and fracture |
Can a Filling Be Repaired, or Must It Be Replaced Entirely?
Your dentist can repair a filling if the damage is minor, such as tiny chips or cracks. Plus, if the edges are only slightly worn, or if there is a slight separation, then your dentist can repair these fillings as well.
On the other hand, a filling must be entirely replaced if the cracks or chips are too far gone, or if the filling is very loose. Moreover, your dentist will opt for replacing your filling if they discover decay under or behind the filling, or if it is significantly worn down.
At Radiant Smiles Dental Care, we have specialised tools that can repair fillings to their original state. However, sometimes it’s best to replace your filling with a new one. We’re happy to schedule a check-up and help you make an informed decision about which course of action is best for you and your smile.
How Can You Prolong the Life of Your Filling?
You can prolong the life of your filling by practising the following good habits:
- Visit your dentist every 6 to 12 months to check on your filling
- Brush twice a day
- Rinse with water after meals
- Rinse with mouthwash after brushing
- Avoid hard or sticky foods
- Eat a balanced diet that excludes sugar whenever possible
FAQs on How Long do Dental Fillings Last?
Are there any health concerns associated with silver amalgam fillings?
Yes, there are health concerns associated with silver amalgam fillings because they contain 50% mercury. These fillings are now being phased out, but are still used in some cases where no other choice is available. Better alternatives for amalgam fillings are porcelain or composite resin.
How can I tell if my dental filling is failing?
You can tell if your dental filling is failing by looking out for these signs:
- Sensitivity or pain in or around the filling
- You notice visible cracks, chips, or a reduction in size
- The tooth is becoming more and more stained
- You get a bad taste in your mouth
- You feel swelling in your mouth around the filling
Can a filling be replaced multiple times?
Yes, a filling can be replaced multiple times. However, remember that each time you replace a filling, more of your natural tooth needs to be filed away to fit the filling. Replacing a filling too many times can compromise your original tooth structure, so it’s important to use the right fillings and look after them.
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