If you’ve had a cavity in recent years, there’s a good chance your dentist repaired the damage with a tooth-colored filling. Unlike the amalgam metallic fillings of the past, this bio-compatible material bonds with your enamel to restore your tooth’s structure. That means your dentist doesn’t have to remove as much of your enamel to ensure that it remains in place. Plus, it can be customized to match your natural hue, so no one will notice it’s there.
It’s natural to wonder how long you can expect your restoration to last if you’ve learned that you need a filling. Continue reading to learn more about what kind of timeline to anticipate!
How Long Do Fillings Last?
These composite resin repairs typically last 5 to 7 years, although it can be more or less depending on a few factors. You might need to replace yours sooner if you:
- Don’t implement consistent dental hygiene habits at home. You must regularly remove plaque and tartar buildup to keep your restoration in good condition.
- Eat overly hard or sugary foods. Hard foods can chip or crack your teeth and the bonded resin if you’re not careful, and sweets attract harmful bacteria that cause decay and gum disease.
- Have an injury. If your tooth sustains physical trauma, it can loosen or dislodge your filling.
- Grind your teeth. The added pressure can wear down dental work prematurely in people with bruxism or chronic teeth grinding.
How Can I Keep My Filling Longer?
Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take to elongate your filling’s livelihood. It’s more likely to stay put if your mouth remains safe and healthy. You can keep your restoration longer by:
- Keeping your daily dental care regimen. You should thoroughly brush and floss both morning and night to prevent problems from developing.
- Watching what you eat. Load your plate with foods like proteins, fruits, and vegetables to give your body the nutrients it needs to support your teeth and gums.
- Wearing a mouthguard. Anyone who plays contact or team sports should wear a mouthguard to protect their pearly whites from harm.
- Maintaining routine checkups. You should visit your dentist every 6 months for a checkup and cleaning so that any potential problems can be addressed before they progress.
If you notice sensitivity to overly hot or cold temperatures or experience shooting pain when you bite down or chew, then contact your dentist. They’ll let you know if it’s time to repair or replace your filling so you can continue to enjoy a happy, healthy smile!
About the Practice
At Framingham Dental Group, you benefit from a team of experts who work together to offer a wide range of services under one roof. With several general dentists, an endodontist, and a periodontist and implant specialist onsite, they can improve your oral health regardless of the current condition of your smile. They take their time to get to know you and your unique circumstances so that they can provide fully individualized treatment plans to handle any issues that come up. Plus, with state-of-the-art technology, they can increase the accuracy of results while enhancing your comfort. If you’re concerned that your filling is worn down or damaged, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (508) 872-0041.
