How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?

Gaps or holes in the teeth are signs of cavities, which are usually caused by acids eating away at the enamel. Cavities occur due to various unhygienic dental practices, such as improper brushing and flossing or consuming sugary and acidic foods and drinks.

When a cavity forms on a tooth, your dentist may recommend dental fillings to seal the hole after the damaged dentin and enamel have been removed. While dental fillings may be durable, they don’t last for a lifetime.

Our dentist, Dr. Haydn Jones, offers dental fillings in Myers Park, near Charlotte, to repair gaps in the teeth and ensure you have better oral health. In this guide, he explains how long fillings can last and what you should do to ensure your fillings remain durable for an extended period.

What Are Tooth Fillings?

Tooth fillings are strong ceramic components used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. They fill holes caused by the buildup of cavities in the teeth, thus reducing the pain that can be faced while chewing.

However, dental fillings do not completely repair all the damage a tooth is exposed to. Still, they are essential in replacing the tooth structure and preventing it from getting worse.

What Are Dental FIllings Made Of?

Dental fillings are made from various materials. Two commonly used fillings are amalgam and composite.

Amalgam fillings, also called silver fillings, are made of a mixture of silver, tin alloy particles, copper, and elemental mercury.

Composite fillings are made from a combination of acrylic and ceramic resins, which allow them to match your surrounding teeth. 

How to Take Care of Your Tooth Fillings at Home

If you want your fillings to remain durable for a long time, you must take proper care of them. With adequate dental care, tooth fillings have been known to last for more than 10 years. The top at-home dental care routine in Myers Park that can help you manage your restorations includes:

Using Fluoride Toothpaste

Tooth fillings are designed to replace a decayed part of a tooth. So, if you have fillings, don’t be shy about brushing around them. Treat your restoration as you would your natural teeth.

Our family dentist in Myers Park, Charlotte, Dr. Haydn Jones, advises that you brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. A decaying tooth can affect the filling and your oral health when not properly cared for. So, they need to be cleaned daily to shield you against further decay.

Flossing Daily

Flossing once a day is important to remove food debris stuck in the teeth. Flossing helps prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar around the fillings. You can floss after brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, and feel free to include an antiseptic mouthwash alongside your dental routine.

Avoiding Smoking and Consuming Tobacco Products

Smoking and consuming tobacco products causes tooth discoloration and gum disease, which can affect the lifespan of your dental fillings. It’s also important to be careful about what you eat. 

Avoid smoking and limit sugary foods and drinks. This helps you to prevent the buildup of cavities and allows your fillings to stay durable.

How Long Do Dental Fillings Typically Last?

There are various types of fillings created using distinct materials, all of which dictate how long they last. On average, dental fillings are expected to be durable for about 10 years, but some are more durable than others, depending on size, location, and one’s intraoral environment. Those with dry mouths can expect shorter life for fillings, due to the lack of buffering of acid by the saliva. 

Newer ceramic and composite fillings have replaced the old amalgam restorations to eliminate mercury exposure. Other factors that can affect the lifespan of your filling include:

• Dental hygiene
• Grinding your teeth while you sleep
• Eating habits
• Decay around the filling
• Trauma to your tooth

These factors, alongside the filling materials used, can help you understand how long a given filling should last.

Dental Fillings for Kids and Adults in Myers Park, Charlotte, NC

At Haydn Jones Dentistry, we provide dental fillings in Myers Park for kids and adults with cavities. Our dentist can expertly help you seal holes in your tooth, reduce aches, and provide the best oral care for a comfortable dental life.

So, if you have holes in your teeth caused by cavities and decay, don’t hesitate to contact our dental office in Myers Park, Charlotte, to schedule an appointment with us. Dr. Haydn Jones is available to attend to your dental needs.