Getting fillings is a routine treatment to help restore teeth that have decay. Dental fillings are a type of restoration. Dentists use fillings to fill an area on the tooth that has decayed. During the process, the decayed tooth structure is removed and replaced by a tooth color filling material. Early detection of tooth decay is essential to prevention of progression of decay and eventual possible infections in the tooth and jaw bone. Barring early detection and restoration of decayed teeth, progression of decay will unequivocally result in more invasive procedures, namely root canal treatments, and eventual tooth loss.
Composite Tooth Fillings
Composite fillings are a white color resin filling. These resin fillings consist of a mix of ceramic and plastic. Resin fillings enjoy aesthetics being tooth-colored, providing an invisible appearance. They will match the shade of your natural teeth and allow a natural blend. With these unique benefits also comes some drawbacks. Resin fillings need more replacement and longer application times in comparison to the conventional silver amalgam fillings.
As long as a patient has enough healthy tooth tissue, they will be a great candidate for fillings decayed tooth structure. If there isn’t enough healthy tooth tissue, we will recommend alternatives options.
How Long Will Dental Fillings Last?
How long precisely your fillings will last depends on several factors. The materials used will play a significant role in durability, as well as the cavity size and personal oral hygiene habits. Keep in mind that fillings aren’t a permanent fix. With proper care, your fillings will last many years, sometimes even decades. Each filling material has its own unique average life expectancy. Composite resin fillings, on average, have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years.
The good news is that these are averages. Patients can extend the life of their fillings with proper oral care.