When Is it Time to Have Fillings Replaced?

Dr. Jean Barthman is one of the leading dentists based in Redwood City. She has helped many patients through advanced restorative dentistry that emphasizes total wellness. Fillings are a common part of the dental care process, and while they are strong, they will require replacement eventually. Let's cover the issue of filling replacement and what that entails.

The General Lifespan of Dental Fillings

The lifespan of dental fillings is defined by the materials that are used to create them.

In general, tooth-colored dental fillings made from composite materials will last 5 years to 10 years. Metal fillings made from amalgam materials will last roughly 10 years to 15 years. These times can vary to some degree based on a number of factors, though they provide a good general rule with regard to these matters.

What causes dental fillings to wear down?

Even though dental fillings are durable, they are subject to the same kinds of wear and tear as your natural tooth structure. This means that biting and chewing can lead to gradual damage to the fillings. The same is true with cases of tooth grinding, which places major strain on the teeth.

Replacement May Also Be Required for Dental Health Problems

In addition to natural wear and tear on the fillings, other dental health issues may require fillings to be replaced.

A serious injury to the mouth such as a sports injury or a major blow to the face can cause fillings to become damaged. Tooth grinding (the gnashing, clenching, and shifting of the teeth during sleep), can also lead to damage of the dental fillings.

Tooth decay and root canal infections are also important to consider. If decay forms around a filling or a tooth's health is seriously affected by oral bacteria, the filling will need to be removed and replaced in order to sufficiently treat the problem.

Tips for Prolonging the Life of Your Dental Fillings

In order to make your fillings last as long as possible, be sure to consider the following:

• Proper Oral Hygiene - Brushing and flossing regularly really does make a major difference to your dental health. Brush at least twice a day, floss at least once each night.

• Wear Mouth Protection - If you play contact sports, engage in combat sports, or work in jobs in which injury to the face is a potential hazard, it's important that you wear a mouth guard and other kinds of protection to prevent major damage to the teeth or serious injury.

• Do Not Chew on Inedible Objects - When you chew on your fingernails, drinking straws, pen caps, or ice cubes, you're not just committing a social faux pas but also doing damage to your teeth and dental restorations. Avoid doing this.

The Replacement Process for Dental Fillings

Replacement of damaged fillings or old fillings is very similar to the process of placing new fillings. The old filling is carefully extracted from the tooth and the tooth structure is prepped in order to accommodate the new filling. Dentists will work conservatively in order to maintain as much of the natural tooth structure as possible as this is best for overall dental health and wellness.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Jean Barthman

To learn more about dental fillings and other matters related to advanced dental care treatment, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Jean Barthman and her team look forward to your visit and helping you achieve excellent dental health.