When Do Dental Fillings Need to Be Replaced?

by Kevin Smith Author

No one likes getting the news that they have a cavity, but dental fillings do a good job of protecting your teeth from additional damage so your mouth can stay as healthy as possible. One of the downsides is that fillings don’t last forever, and yours will most likely have to be replaced at some point down the road. Just how long that is depends on a number of factors, so it’s important to stay in touch with your dentist after getting your filling.

Wear and Tear

Your teeth may be some of the strongest parts of your body, but they’re subjected to an enormous amount of pressure day after day. The effort of biting and chewing your food causes strain on your teeth and wears them away over time. It also puts pressure on your fillings and can cause damage to them as well. If you have additional complications like teeth grinding, expect to need to replace your fillings even sooner.

Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can help reduce some of the wear and tear on your teeth. By preventing plaque and bacteria from building up, you help protect your teeth against being slowly worn away. Eating a healthy diet also helps, since fewer harmful materials will build up along your teeth and gums in the first place.

Tooth Damage

If you’ve been in an accident--especially one where you sustained an injury to the face--check with your dentist to make sure your filling is still intact. Some people even damage their teeth or fillings by biting down on an especially hard nut or seed. If there’s damage to your tooth, your filling could become loose or fall out, and may need to be replaced.

Mercury Concerns

Although many people have safely had amalgam fillings (which contain mercury), some are concerned that it might cause harmful side effects, especially as the fillings begin to wear down. Others find that they’re allergic to amalgam fillings. In these cases, you can switch to another style such as composite tooth colored fillings in St. Petersburg, FL, so you won't have to worry about side effects.

Average Life Span

When you need to replace your filling depends on the type of filling you have. Gold fillings usually last the longest and can hold up between 15 and 30 years. Amalgam fillings typically last between 10 and 15 years. Composite tooth colored fillings in St. Petersburg, FL, usually last from 5 to 10 years.