Dental fillings are the most common procedure to be used to prevent and treat tooth decay and damage in teeth. If you have ever had fillings put in your mouth, then you could always wonder how long they would last before needing to have them replaced. Of course, the life in reality of dental filling too depends on many factors such as the type of material to be used, the hygiene of a person and location. Let us continue with this blog today by discussing the types of tooth fillings, its average life expectancy, and how to prolong the life of your fillings.
Types of Tooth Fillings
There are many varieties of fillings that
can be placed to fill the teeth. All these have their merits and demerits,
respectively. The most common among them are:
Amalga Fillings
They have silver-like colouring fillings
made from the amalgamation of some metals, among them; silver, mercury, tin and
copper. Amalga fillings are said to be quite strong and tough hence they prefer
filling them in the back portion where major forces occur whilst chewing.
Composite Fillings
These fillings are sometimes referred to as
resin fillings. A composite is a material made of plastic and fine glass
particles. A composite filling can be molded in shape and color to match the
appearance of your teeth. It is thus more cosmetically pleasing, particularly
for the front or visible teeth. Nevertheless, they are not as durable as
amalgam filling, and thus may have to be more frequently replaced.
Porcelain
Porcelain fillings have a perception of
being through ceramic, appearing rather natural and very tooth-colored as well.
They stain less and for a period but are not as strong as other kinds of
fillings, requiring only a little more shaving from the tooth for it to fit
into the filling.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are made from alloy gold.
Really amazing because it is very hard and will last for hundred years or more.
They don't use it that much anymore because it cost very, very much; but when
done just right, they are almost invisible.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
It is a glass and acrylic compound that is
applied to prepare the filling. They act as protection because it
makes it possible for fluoride to diffuse into parts of the rest of the tooth,
reducing further opportunities for decay to occur there. For small cavities,
glass ionomer fillings are more often used because they do not last that long
as compared to the other varieties.
Average Lifespan of Tooth Fillings
This spoils for many reasons. This also
depends on the type. Some of the most typical types with their average lifespan
are shown here in order:
- Amalgam Fillings: 10-15 Years
- Composite Fillings: 5-10 Years
- Ceramic Fillings: 15 Years
- Gold Fillings: 20 Years
- Glass Ionomer Fillings: 5 Years Or Less
Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Fillings
There are many who would depend on the
number of years that your fillings would last.
Oral Hygiene
Proper oral hygiene practice which involves
brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental check-up
would be enough to extend the service life of the fillings. Proper oral hygiene
is very sadly absent, decay around the filling may start and would result in
earlier filling failure.
Dietary Habits
This is the main cause of leaking your
early death of fillings, dietary habits. Avoid this diet rich in sugars as well
as sugary drinks. Also, avoid chewing hard objects and also cease to use your
teeth as tools.
Position of the Filling
Fillings on the posterior teeth the molars
undergo higher forces than those in the anterior. Therefore, fillings on the
posterior teeth deteriorate fast.
View More: How To Remove Black Lines On Teeth
Mass of the Filling
A bigger size filling will occupy more
surface of the teeth and thus easily breaks or fractures. Normally, smaller
ones remain for an extended period.
Grinding and Clenching
It will put too much pressure to the
fillings, and fillings will take more time to break down if you are a grinder
or clencher, also referred to as a bruxer. A night guard will save your
fillings from wearing should you grind at night.
Indications That You’re Filling Should Be Replaced
The following are the indications that your
filling has to be replaced:
- Sensitivity: If you feel that hot, cold, and sweet beverages and foods, then that might be because your filling is wearing off or leaking.
- Toothache: The pain or toothache that doesn't subside when you bite may be caused because of the cracked or loose filling.
- Staining: The area around the filling darkens because of leakage or decaying.
- Ragged Edges: If your filling is ragged or feels the way this guy does when you run your tongue against it, it probably is cracked or chipped.
- Visible Damage: If you can literally see that your filling is cracked, chipped, or even falls out, then you'll have to get them replaced
How to Make Fillings Last Longer
Fillings are not forever; here are things
that you will do to make their life longer
Visit Your Dentist
Periodic check-ups and cleanings by your
dentist will enable your dentist to track the state of your fillings and thus
solve problems before they get seriously bad.
Avoid Hard Foods and Objects
Avoid crunching on hard objects such as
ice, solid foodstuffs, or other items that are not meant to be chewed such as
pens. This will all damage the filling in your mouth.
Be Mindful Of What You Put Into Your Mouth:
Application of a night guard: The inner
face of the filling of your mouth will become destroyed if you keep grinding
and clenching more often. A night guard will save your fillings from chipping down
too early.
Diet Surveillance
Decrease consumption of processed
sugary food item and beverages that causes rusting of the filling. A nutritious diet will be one of your greatest friends towards achieving oral health,
fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Conclusion
Fillings of the teeth in real life turns out to be excellent for the treatment of the cavities restoring the functions and look of your teeth. Fillings are never permanent, but proper care will assure you of them for a long time to come. Good oral hygiene, regular visits to your dentist, and wise choices about what you put in and what you chew on should surely ensure as much play in fillings as is possible.
If you possess a sign that indicates you should replace your filling, then communicate with your dentist about an assessment and any further treatment you may need. General oral hygiene calls for taking care of your fillings. And if one does the right thing, one can enjoy healthy and painless smiles for all their lifetime.
Please book an appointment with the Best Dentist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.
