How Long Will My Dental Filling Last Me?

Tooth decay is the most common chronic condition among Americans of all ages, which may have something to do with why dental fillings are so common.

When dealing with mild to moderate decay, dental fillings are a quick and easy way to make you more comfortable. However, given how simple they are, you may wonder how long you can expect a dental filling to last for you.

The answer is a little complicated—here’s some information that may be able to help you.

How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?

When talking about how long dental fillings tend to last, the conversation can get a little bit complicated. Fillings can be made of a wide variety of materials and can treat decay in a wide array of different places—how long any given filling will last depends on those factors.

The Case for Tooth-Colored Composite

When it comes to material, tooth-colored composite has quickly become the choice for dentists everywhere when it comes to filling cavities. Silver amalgam was the go-to for a long time, but the mercury used in them can be potentially dangerous, so they’re much less common now.

Tooth-colored composite also has serious cosmetic advantages when compared to silver fillings—they blend in so well that most people won’t even be able to tell that you have them!

How Long Will Composite Fillings Last?

Again, the amount of time that you can expect a filling to last depends on where it’s located in the mouth and how well you take care of it. That said, you can expect most tooth-colored composite fillings to last between 7 and 15 years.

If you maintain them well—brush twice a day and floss daily—you can expect a dental filling to last you well over a decade. While getting them can be as easy as a single appointment, you can expect them to protect you for a long time to come.

About Our Practice

Welcome to DeMartino Dental Group! We are a family practice that has been in business for over 50 years, and for all that time the thing that has defined us is our commitment to excellent patient care. Whether you’re looking for simple restorative care or a complete transformation of your smile, we’re happy to be able to give you that to you and your family.

If you have any questions about dental fillings, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (908) 859-5260.