Do Dental Fillings Need To Be Replaced?

Do Dental Fillings Need To Be Replaced? What You Should Know 

Dental fillings are a great way to treat cavities. By removing the decayed tooth material and filling the tooth, a dentist like Dr. Joel Darrah can stop the cavity from worsening and restore your tooth. 

But do dental fillings ever need to be replaced? The answer is yes. In this blog from Buckwalter Dental Care, we’ll look at how long fillings last, when they need to be replaced, how you can prolong the lifespan of your filling, and more.

Fillings Will Eventually Wear Out And Require Replacement 

Dental fillings are a long-term solution for cavities, but that doesn’t mean they’re permanent. Eventually, they will need to be replaced. This is because the filling goes through a lot of stress as you use it to bite and chew. Over time, it will wear out, and it may start to peel away from your tooth. 

Fillings also may wear out and require replacement if the nearby enamel starts to decay. While your filling itself will not decay, nearby decay can cause the filling to loosen and peel away from the tooth, or to fall out completely. 

How Long Do Fillings Usually Last?

This depends on the material used to create your filling. Tooth-colored composite fillings usually last somewhere between 5-8 years, though it’s not uncommon for the filling to last 10 years or longer. 

Metal fillings tend to last somewhat longer. They usually last about 15 years before requiring replacement. However, these fillings are less popular today because they have gray, unnatural color, unlike tooth-colored fillings.

How Can I Prolong The Lifespan Of My Fillings?

Your fillings will eventually need to be replaced. But there are a few steps you can take to keep your fillings in good shape for a longer time. Here are a few tips from Buckwalter Dental Care.

• Maintain good oral hygiene – Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day helps prevent cavities, which are a major cause of premature filling failure.
  
  
• Avoid extremely sticky and gummy foods – Caramel, toffee, gummy candies, and other sticky foods can put a lot of stress and strain on your fillings, and even pull weakened fillings out of your tooth completely. They also contribute to tooth decay.
  
  
• Make healthy lifestyle choices – Taking steps like eating a balanced, low-sugar diet, reducing alcohol use, and quitting smoking or tobacco use can help keep your teeth and fillings healthier. 
  

How Can I Tell If I Need A New Filling?

Unless your filling falls out or is pulled out while you’re eating, you probably won’t be able to tell if you need a new filling on your own. 

That’s one of the many reasons why you should see a dentist like Dr. Darrah for checkups every six months. At your routine cleaning and checkup, Dr. Darrah can keep an eye on your fillings, check to see if they need to be replaced, and ensure your mouth stays healthy. 

Need A New Dental Filling In Bluffton? Come To Buckwalter Dental Care! 

Whether you think you may have a worn-out filling and need a new filling in Bluffton, or you suspect that you may have a cavity and need a filling to restore your smile, Dr. Darrah is here to help. Contact us online or call Buckwalter Dental Care at (843) 815-3232 to schedule your appointment right away.