How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?

Types of Dental Fillings & Their Lifespan

Since the lifespan of dental fillings depends on the material used. They are classified as follows:

• Amalgam Fillings
  Also known as silver fillings, these contain a mix of silver, copper, tin alloy particles, and mercury. Dentists have used them for over 150 years, and they are the least expensive and possibly the most durable type of filling.
  A study found that amalgam fillings last about 15 years on average. Other research shows that they can last between 7.1 and 44.7 years. However, mercury in these fillings can be toxic, so you should avoid them if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, under 6 years old, have a neurological condition or kidney problems, or are allergic to mercury.
• Composite Fillings
  These fillings are popular because their color can match the surrounding teeth. Made from a mix of acrylic and ceramic resins, they chemically bond to the tooth with an adhesive. They typically last about 7 years.
  A study suggests that they can last 10 years or more if they are small and the patient has good oral health. Composite materials are also used to repair chipped teeth and fill small gaps between teeth.
• Gold Fillings
  Gold fillings are much more expensive than amalgam or composite fillings but are more durable. They can last an average of 20 years or more, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).
• Ceramic and Glass Ionomer Fillings
  Ceramic fillings, made from a type of porcelain, can last 15 years or longer. They are even more expensive than gold fillings and are less common. They need to be made in a dental lab or with a milling machine and glued into the tooth.
  Glass ionomer fillings are made from glass and acrylic and can be placed directly in the tooth. They are weaker than other fillings and usually used for small cavities near the gumline, not on chewing surfaces, and last about 5 years.

Extending the Lifetime of Your Dental Fillings

Most white fillings are made to last about ten years if you take good care of them. This means brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding bad habits like chewing ice or hard foods that can crack your teeth.

It also means cutting back on sugary foods that can cause decay. Without good oral care, germs can get around the edges of old fillings and cause decay underneath. This makes them loose, break, or fall out.

Besides oral hygiene, other factors can make fillings wear out faster. If you grind or clench your teeth, the extra force can wear down your teeth and fillings. In some cases, this pressure can cause a filling to crack or break.