How Long Do Tooth Fillings Last? 

The average lifespan of a modern tooth-colored filling is around seven years, yet this is not a fixed rule. At 208 Dental in Meridian, we understand that the durability of a filling depends on a multitude of factors. Dr. Goettsche and his team are committed to extending the life of your fillings as much as possible and will take every step to ensure you have the best fillings around! However, just like a house needs repainting over time, dental fillings require proper maintenance and occasional replacement.

How Long Until a Filling Needs to Be Replaced?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), tooth-colored fillings generally last about seven years. Yet, this timeline is not like an oil change interval or tire rotation schedule; fillings can last significantly longer or shorter, depending on different factors. Each filling is evaluated on an individual basis at 208 Dental, considering several key factors that contribute to its longevity.

Factors Beyond Your Control

• Genetics: A family history of dental issues or dentures might predispose you to more frequent cavities.
• Mouth Bacteria: The types of bacteria in your mouth, often a genetic trait, can vary in their cavity-causing potential.
• Condition of the Tooth: The cavity's size, location, and the tooth's overall condition at the time of treatment influence a filling's durability. Stress on the tooth from large cavities or previous fillings, other existing fillings, and the health of surrounding tissues are all considerations.

Factors Within Your Control

• Diet: The primary cause of cavities is the breakdown of tooth structure caused by acid.  Acid is most frequently formed in one’s mouth by bacteria metabolizing carbohydrates or sugars in your diet to acid. High consumption of refined carbohydrates and acidic foods or beverages can significantly impact your fillings.
• Oral Hygiene: The frequency and quality of your brushing and flossing regimen, alongside the use of recommended dental products, are pivotal. Regular, thorough cleaning of each tooth and daily flossing are essential for maintaining the integrity of your fillings.
• Your Health: Conditions like dry mouth or acid reflux can affect your oral health and, consequently, the longevity of your fillings. Adjusting medications causing dry mouth or addressing breathing issues can mitigate these effects.

Your Hygiene Habits

Your oral hygiene habits play a role in maintaining your dental health and extending the life of your dental work, such as fillings. The frequency and quality of your brushing and flossing affect your oral hygiene. It's recommended to brush your teeth twice a day, yet it's not just about checking  a box; the thoroughness of your brushing matters significantly. Imagine entrusting your car to be washed by a 7-year-old; while their effort might be commendable, the outcome is unlikely to meet your expectations for cleanliness. Similarly, a hasty or superficial approach to brushing your teeth can leave plaque and food particles behind, leading to potential dental issues. 

Flossing, too, is an important part of your oral hygiene regimen, ideally performed daily. Proper flossing technique is crucial for removing debris and plaque from between your teeth where your toothbrush can't reach. For those with dental work or teeth that are closely spaced, using adjunct tools like water flossers or interdental brushes can be incredibly effective in maintaining cleanliness and gum health. 

Additionally, following your dentist's recommendations regarding specific toothpaste or mouthwash can further enhance your oral care routine. At 208 Dental, we're committed to not only providing top-notch dental care but also educating our patients on proper brushing and flossing techniques. During your dental cleaning visit, our team is happy to demonstrate and review these practices with you, ensuring that you have the knowledge and tools needed for optimal oral health.

Your Health

Your overall health can have a significant impact on your oral hygiene, including factors that, though partly genetic, fall within a controllable spectrum through proactive management and medical consultation. Dry mouth, a common condition affecting many, can significantly impair oral health by reducing the saliva necessary to naturally cleanse and remineralize teeth. This condition may stem from various causes, including polypharmacy, where the side effects of multiple medications reduce saliva production. Additionally, habitual mouth breathing, instead of through the nose, exacerbates dry mouth and can lead to further oral and general health issues. Discuss these conditions with your healthcare provider or Dr. Goettsche, who can suggest adjustments to your medication or recommend products and practices to mitigate dry mouth and its effects on your dental health.

Acid reflux is another health concern with direct implications for oral hygiene, as the acid can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Furthermore, if physical or health-related challenges limit your ability to maintain optimal oral hygiene, it's important to seek solutions that can aid in your dental care routine, whether through the use of specific products or enlisting help for thorough cleaning. At 208 Dental, we understand that certain health conditions are beyond your control, yet we are here to support you in identifying any potential areas for improvement. Dr. Goettsche is available to discuss these concerns, offering professional advice and tailored solutions to enhance your oral health in conjunction with your overall well-being.

The Type of Filling

• Too Filling: 

   

  • The most common type
  • Average lifespan of seven years, though with proper care, can last much longer
• Ceramic (Porcelain) Filling: 
  • These fillings, often lasting an average of 15 years, represent a longer-lasting solution with a greater upfront cost.  When spread out over time, this cost typically translates to a better value  Insurance coverage and personal budget may influence your choice between ceramic and tooth-colored fillings.

Dental Care Recommendations

For those who clench or grind their teeth, wearing a prescribed night guard can significantly reduce the stress on both your teeth and any existing dental restorations. Clenching or grinding exerts much more force on your teeth than normal chewing, which can compromise the integrity of your teeth and previous dental work. Since this is often an unconscious behavior, many are unaware how often and how severely they are grinding or clenching their teeth. Consulting with Dr. Goettsche can provide insights into the signs and symptoms of teeth grinding, allowing for timely intervention and care.

Dental Spacing Issues

Dental spacing issues can affect your oral health, primarily by creating food traps that are challenging to clean. Trapped food particles can lead to cavities and other dental problems by providing a breeding ground for bacteria. If your dentist has recommended braces, it's often to correct malpositioned teeth that contribute to these traps. Ignoring such advice can exacerbate the problem. 

Similarly, missing teeth not only affect your smile's aesthetics but also lead to shifting of the adjacent teeth, creating new spaces where food can accumulate. This shifting can also increase the load on remaining teeth and dental restorations during chewing or even contribute to clenching and grinding behaviors. Addressing these spacing issues in a timely manner  through recommended dental treatments such as dental implants can help prevent such complications and maintain overall oral health.

Factors Your Dentist Can Control

The quality of dental care depends on factors that your dentist can directly influence, such as their level of training, the proficiency of their team, and the materials and equipment used in treatments. At 208 Dental, we understand that the foundation of exceptional dental care rests on continuous education and the use of state-of-the-art technology. Dr. Goettsche and his team are committed to staying at the forefront of dental advancements, ensuring that every procedure, including fillings, is performed with the utmost precision and care. 

The choice of bonding agents, for example, is crucial in the longevity and success of a filling. Just as with home painting, where the quality and type of paint used can vastly affect the outcome and durability, the selection of dental adhesives plays a pivotal role in ensuring your fillings are not only aesthetically pleasing but also long-lasting and comfortable as well.  

Recognizing that patients may not be familiar with the technical aspects of dental materials, it's important to place trust in your dental provider's expertise. Dr. Goettsche values this trust and, therefore, opts for premier dental adhesives like Clearfil SE Protect and Scotchbond Universal for their proven effectiveness in achieving strong bonds, minimizing post-operative sensitivity, and extending the life of fillings. 

This commitment to quality, coupled with a dedication to ongoing education and training, sets 208 Dental apart. The clinic not only invests in the best materials and equipment available but also ensures that every team member is knowledgeable and skilled, reflecting a shared mission to deliver dental care that patients can rely on. 208 Dental proudly stands behind its work, offering a warranty that underscores our confidence in the durability and quality of the treatments provided.

Is It Painful to Replace a Tooth Filling?

Replacing a dental filling at 208 Dental is a process designed with patient comfort in mind. With advancements in dental technology and techniques, the experience is virtually painless. The most challenging aspect for some patients might be the initial numbing, but there's no need to worry. Dr. Goettsche uses gentle and effective methods to ensure minimal discomfort. 

Our clinic is equipped with various amenities to ease anxiety, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), numbing jelly, weighted blankets, warm towels, and TVs with headphones for distraction during the procedure. 

The actual filling replacement typically takes between 10 to 30 minutes per filling, depending on the complexity. After the procedure, you can start using the filled tooth right away, although we advise caution while still numb to avoid accidentally biting your tongue or lip. Post-operative sensitivity, if any, is usually short-lived and manageable, largely depending on the prior condition of the tooth. Because Dr. Goettsche uses the best techniques and materials, you will have the least chance to develop any post operative sensitivity. 

Can Cavities Develop After a Filling is Applied?

Yes, unfortunately, it is possible for cavities to develop around a filling. At 208 Dental, we emphasize that the durability of a filling is a combination of numerous factors:

• Dental Care and Maintenance: Regular brushing, flossing, and using accessory cleaning tools like water flossers or mouthwash significantly affect a filling's lifespan. Furthermore, it is paramount you maintain your regular dental hygiene visits and check ups.
• Dietary Choices: High sugar and acidic foods and drinks can accelerate the breakdown of fillings and your teeth.
• Oral Health Conditions: Issues like clenching or grinding can exert extra force on fillings, potentially leading to quicker deterioration.

It's important to recognize that a filling should be replaced based on its condition, not just its age. Signs that your filling may need to be replaced include discoloration, sensitivity, and fractured portions of the restoration to name a few. However, Dr. Goettsche will carefully assess each filling during a routine dental exam to determine the appropriate action. 

Delaying the replacement of a failing filling could lead to larger problems, such as extensive cavities, cracked teeth, or even the need for a root canal or crown. As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." 

Contact 208 Dental for a Tooth Fillings in Meridian

Whether you're a new patient looking for a change in dentists, or you recently moved to the Meridian area, we're here to meet all your dental needs. Schedule your appointment online and join our family of satisfied patients. You can easily book online, call us, or even send a text at (208) 501-8860. Let us be a part of your journey to a healthier, brighter smile. Your smile deserves the best care, and we're here to provide just that!

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