Most of us don’t think much about our dental fillings after the procedure is over. The bad thing about this strategy is that fillings aren’t permanent.
Your filling won’t last forever, but the good news is that taking good care of your oral health can help it to last a very long time.
What are Fillings?
Fillings help stop tooth decay after it has set in. To insert a filling, your dentist will drill away decayed tooth matter before filling the hole with a replacement substance.
Fillings are usually made of:
- Composite resin (tooth-colored fillings)
- Porcelain
- Gold
- Amalgam (an alloy of mercury, silver, copper, tin, and sometimes zinc)
Composite resin is the substance that is most often used. It gives you the advantage of blending in with your natural teeth without sacrificing much durability.
How Long Will My Filling Last?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is dependent on several factors. Size and location of your filling plays a role, and so does the level of care you give to your smile. Fillings usually last between 7-20 years.
We expect a great deal from our fillings. Every day, we place pressure on them while we eat, and this will eventually cause them to loosen. As the seal between your tooth and your filling becomes less strong, food particles collect in the space between them and cause decay.
In order to make sure your fillings are in good standing, you’ll need to employ the use of a professional. When you come in for your 6-month cleanings, your dentist will be able to use an X-ray that will allow them to detect any issues that may be present. Early detection reduces the risk that you’ll need a more invasive procedure, such as a root canal.
Is There a Warranty on Fillings?
Taking good care of your teeth helps to ensure they will last a long time, but it isn’t a guarantee. Fortunately, South Springs Dental Group does offer a 5-year warranty on fillings. If you need to replace your filling before 5 years have passed, we will refund you the full cost of the procedure.
To benefit from this warranty, refrain from the “drilling, filling, and billing” technique for your oral care. This isn’t a good strategy for your health, which is why we only offer the warranty to patients who see us for checkups every 6 months.
The Best Kind of Filling is No Filling!
If you have decay, a filling is an effective way to stop it from further damaging your teeth, but it’s better that you don’t need a filling in the first place! The best way to prevent this is to brush twice a day, floss daily, and see us for a cleaning every 6 months.