The lifespan of dental fillings depends on several factors, including the type of material used and how well you take care of your teeth. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, most fillings can last 5-15 years. However, no filling lasts forever and all will eventually need to be replaced.
What are dental fillings?
Dental fillings, also known as restorations, are materials used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay. Fillings repair the damaged part of the tooth and prevent further decay.
There are several types of fillings available, including:
- Amalgam – Also known as “silver fillings,” amalgam is a metal alloy made from mercury, silver, tin, copper and sometimes zinc. Amalgam fillings are strong, durable and inexpensive.
- Composite – These tooth-colored fillings are made from plastic and glass materials. They can match the color of your natural teeth and provide good durability.
- Glass ionomer – Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride to help prevent cavities. They bond well with tooth structure but are less durable than other filling options.
- Ceramic – Ceramic fillings are made from porcelain and provide natural tooth color. However, they are prone to fracture.
When a cavity is treated, the decayed portion of the tooth is removed and the area is cleaned and shaped. The filling material is then placed into the prepared space and shaped and polished to match your tooth’s anatomy.
How long do amalgam fillings last?
Amalgam fillings are very strong and durable. With proper care, they can last 7-15 years, with an average lifespan of 10-12 years. Here are some factors that affect the longevity of amalgam fillings:
- Placement – Fillings placed under ideal conditions and utilizing proper technique tend to last longer.
- Location – Fillings placed in areas with less stress from biting forces may survive longer than those in high stress areas.
- Oral hygiene – Poor brushing and flossing habits can contribute to recurrent decay around a filling, shortening its lifespan.
- Eating habits – A diet high in sugar and acidic foods can cause more rapid decay and filling failure.
- Grinding/Clenching – These habits put added stress on fillings that can quickly wear them down.
- Saliva flow – Insufficient saliva flow increases the risk of new cavities and filling deterioration.
With optimal home care and regular dental cleanings and exams, amalgam fillings can last for over 15 years. However, most amalgam restorations need replacement in 10-12 years.
How long do composite fillings last?
Composite resin fillings typically last 5-10 years before needing replacement, with an average lifespan of 7 years. Factors impacting composite longevity include:
- Material Used – Nanohybrid and microhybrid composites tend to have greater durability and wear resistance than older composites.
- Location – Fillings on back teeth tend to survive longer than those on front teeth.
- Biting Forces – Heavy biting forces can fracture composite fillings.
- Oral Habits – Clenching and grinding may slowly crack composites.
- Oral Hygiene – Poor cleaning allows more decay to form around the filling.
- Diet – Frequent consumption of sticky, sugary, or acidic foods can speed up decay.
While composites don’t usually last as long as amalgam fillings, good oral care habits can maximize longevity. Most dentists recommend replacing composite fillings every 5-10 years.
How long do glass ionomer fillings last?
Glass ionomer fillings typically last just 3-5 years before they need replacement. Here are some reasons glass ionomers have a shorter lifespan:
- Low strength – Glass ionomers are brittle and prone to cracking under biting forces.
- High wear – These fillings wear down more quickly than other materials with chewing.
- Moisture sensitivity – Exposure to moisture during the setting process can cause early failure.
- Shrinkage – Glass ionomers shrink slightly as they cure, allowing gaps at the tooth-filling margin.
Given their lower durability, glass ionomer fillings work best as short-term restorations in low stress areas. They can serve as intermediate fillings until a more permanent option is viable. However, most will need replacement within 3-5 years.
How long do ceramic fillings last?
Ceramic fillings, such as CEREC or porcelain restorations, can last 8-15 years with proper care. Here are some factors that determine ceramic filling longevity:
- Type of ceramic – Feldspathic porcelains are prone to fracture. Materials like lithium disilicate are more fracture resistant.
- Location – Fillings placed in high stress areas usually have shorter lifespans.
- Occlusal forces – Heavy biting forces may cause cracking or chipping.
- Bonding – Proper adhesive bonding to the tooth surface helps prevent gaps.
- Oral habits – Clenching and grinding can put extreme pressure on ceramic fillings.
While ceramic fillings are durable, they cannot withstand the same forces as metal restorations. With careful placement and proper home care, ceramics can last 8-15 years.
What impacts filling longevity?
There are several factors that determine how long a dental filling will last:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Filling material | The inherent strength and wear resistance affects durability. Amalgam lasts longer than most other materials. |
| Location in mouth | Fillings in high stress areas fail sooner than those in low stress spots. |
| Oral habits | Clenching, grinding and chewing on hard items increase wear and fracture risk. |
| Oral hygiene | Poor brushing and flossing leads to recurrent decay around the filling. |
| Diet | Frequent consumption of sugary, acidic, and starchy foods promotes more cavities. |
Proper placement technique, a balanced bite, regular dental visits, and excellent home care all help prolong filling lifespan.
How long do fillings last in molars?
Fillings placed in molar teeth usually last a shorter amount of time compared to fillings in other teeth. Molars bear the brunt of chewing forces, placing significant stress on fillings that can lead to fracture and failure.
On average, fillings last in molars:
- Amalgam – 7-12 years
- Composite – 4-8 years
- Glass Ionomer – 2-3 years
- Ceramic – 5-10 years
Regular dental visits allow your dentist to check molars for signs of filling wear, damage, or looseness. Getting defective fillings repaired or replaced before they completely fail helps prevent tooth fractures in the molars.
How long do fillings last in front teeth?
Fillings placed in front teeth such as incisors and canines are under less stress than molars. They generally have greater longevity:
- Amalgam – 10-15 years
- Composite – 7-12 years
- Glass Ionomer – 3-5 years
- Ceramic – 10-15 years
However, damaged or defective fillings in anterior teeth should still get promptly examined. Failing front tooth fillings compromise aesthetics and function. Replacing them early helps prevent additional tooth breakdown.
How long do fillings last in baby teeth?
Fillings in children’s primary (baby) teeth may only need to last a few years before the tooth falls out. Most primary tooth fillings last:
- Amalgam – 3-5 years
- Composite – 2-4 years
- Glass Ionomer – 2-3 years
- Stainless Steel Crowns – 4-6 years
Conserving baby teeth until their natural exfoliation enables proper spacing and development of permanent teeth. Fixing decay buys time, but fillings eventually need replacement if teeth aren’t lost prematurely.
Do fillings need to be replaced?
Fillings do not permanently restore teeth. Over time, all fillings will deteriorate and need replacement. Typical signs a filling needs replaced include:
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- Visible cracking, fracturing, decay, or wear
- Chipped edges
- Looseness
- Worn edges allowing gap at tooth-filling margin
- Discoloration at tooth-filling interface
Well-sealed fillings keep out bacteria. But seal failure enables bacteria to infiltrate and cause recurrent decay. Thus, avoiding costly tooth extractions requires periodic replacement of defective fillings.
Do old fillings need to be replaced?
There is no set expiration date for dental fillings. However, older fillings have a higher risk of seal failure and underlying tooth decay. For optimal dental health, it is wise to replace old fillings:
- Every 5-10 years for composite fillings
- Every 10-15 years for amalgam fillings
- Every 3-5 years for glass ionomer fillings
- Every 8-15 years for ceramic fillings
Your dentist should evaluate older fillings for signs of wear, fracture, defective margins, and recurrent decay. Early detection enables repair or replacement before major tooth damage occurs.
Do amalgam fillings need to be replaced with composite?
Existing amalgam fillings only need replacement if they become defective. However, some patients opt to have functional amalgams replaced with more aesthetically pleasing composite fillings. Reasons for replacement include:
- Improved aesthetics – Composite matches natural tooth color better.
- Mercury concerns – Composite is mercury-free; amalgam contains mercury.
- Tooth structure preservation – Replacement avoids removing additional tooth structure.
Replacing amalgam with composite provides excellent durability and beauty. But it also costs more initially and requires greater tooth structure removal. The benefits and costs of replacement should be carefully weighed.
How can I make my fillings last longer?
You can maximize the lifespan of your dental fillings by:
- Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily
- Eating a tooth-friendly diet low in sugar and acid
- Avoiding clenching and grinding your teeth
- Not chewing on hard items like ice or hard candy
- Seeing your dentist as recommended for exams and cleanings
Prompt treatment of new cavities and replacement of defective fillings allows you to get the most longevity out of your restored teeth.
Conclusion
Dental fillings have a finite lifespan and will eventually need replacement. However, you can maximize filling longevity through proper home care and regular dental visits. Amalgam and ceramic fillings tend to survive the longest. Composite and glass ionomer fillings have shorter lifespans of 5-10 years and 3-5 years respectively. By brushing, flossing, eating healthy, and seeing your dentist regularly you can avoid expensive complications and keep your fillings intact for as long as possible.