Do Dental Fillings Last for Ever?
Wouldn’t it be great if after undergoing the trouble of having your teeth drilled to remove decay from a cavity and thereafter carefully choosing a filling the dentist told you it was a permanent solution that would last throughout your life? Unfortunately, they don’t and eventually need to be replaced by undergoing a similar procedure.
Dentists may provide their patients with information that the fillings will last for up to 20 years but may exclude the fine print and not provide information that the timespan can vary between every individual. If you want to learn more about the lifespan of dental fillings it is suggested that you continue reading this blog.
Why You Need Dental Fillings?
Your dentist will recommend a procedure for dental filling if you develop tooth decay that progresses into a cavity. This is a result of maintaining improper oral hygiene and can expose you to even serious conditions like gum diseases and tooth loss unless you have the problem treated immediately. Visiting your dentist for regular exams and checkups would probably have prevented the cavity from developing. However, as it has already made its presence felt the only remedy available would be to have dental fillings from your dentist.
What Kind of Fillings Can You Choose?
Fillings are made from different materials which could be a silver amalgam, gold, porcelain, and composite resin. It is suggested that you consult with your dentist about the material best suited for your needs to ensure you can protect your tooth appropriately without embarrassing yourselves by showing off the filling.
If the cavity on your tooth is on the back molar you can consider silver amalgam or gold fillings that are strong, durable, and best suited for the back teeth. If the cavity is on a visible tooth you will find tooth-colored fillings either from porcelain or composite resin best suited because the filling material will not be visible when you smile and will help to maintain your aesthetic appearance. It is also a preferred option because it blends well with your remaining teeth.
The Procedure for Having Dental Fillings
As you have tooth decay the dentist must drill away the contaminated material that would have made itself comfortable within your tooth. Leaving the decay untreated will cause it to progress into your root canal making it necessary for you to undergo a serious invasive procedure that you wouldn’t want. After removing the decay from the tooth the dentist will be filling it with the material you have chosen in the empty space created. The procedure will require approximately an hour depending on how deep the decay has infected your tooth. You will receive medications to numb the pain during the procedure and will only feel some pressure as the tooth is drilled and filled. As you walk out of the dentists’ office you will be leaving behind the tooth decay and perhaps be in a position to show off your teeth by smiling widely in front of anyone you please.
How Long Will the Fillings Last?
Fillings can last for approximately 7 to 20 years depending on its location, size, and the oral hygiene practices you have adopted. Dipika Shah, DDS, LLC, mentions a lot of stress is subjected to the fillings in your mouth because of chewing and any other activities. Your fillings will compromise over time and perhaps loosen to create a pocket for food and debris to accumulate and cause further decay. You can easily prevent the buildup of food and debris between your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly but it would be impossible for you to reduce the stress on the fillings.
You would be recommended to visit dental offices regularly for examinations and cleanings to ensure your dental filling does not become a serious issue. Leaving the matter unattended is an invitation to an invasive procedure like root canal therapy that would not only be expensive but also painful. You can avoid such problems by preventing decay from developing in your mouth and visiting your dentist regularly for preventive care checkups. However, the fillings in your mouth will sooner or later need to be replaced as recommended by your dentist whenever required. You can benefit from the full lifespan of dental fillings if you adhere to the instructions of your dentist and follow proper oral hygiene practices. However, even if you don’t, the fillings will remain in your mouth for at least seven years after which you can have a fresh one placed by the dentist.