These days, if you need a filling for a cavity, your dentist is likely to suggest composite fillings. But many people, especially those who have had amalgam fillings before, question whether composite fillings are durable enough. Many patients ask their dentist how long do composite fillings last and whether they are as durable as traditional metal fillings. Understanding the factors that affect their lifespan can help you make the right decision for your dental health.
How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?
Composite is one of the modern filling materials made from a mixture of plastic and glass. Unlike old metal fillings that usually look unappealing, composite resin can be customized to match your natural tooth color.
To place this filling, your dentist needs to remove only the decayed part, which means saving more of the tooth structure. It adheres to the enamel using special bonding agents.
Once it is in place, composite does not conduct heat or corrode like metal fillings can. And while it is very durable, it is not meant to last forever. Mostly composite fillings last about 5 to 7 years, but they may last longer if you take proper care.
What May Affect the Lifespan of Your Composite Fillings?
Even the best quality fillings can wear out sooner or later if there’s too much chewing force, poor oral habits, or hard foods. Keep these factors in mind:
High Chewing Force
Your back teeth carry most of the chewing pressure when you eat. If you frequently munch on ice, hard candies, nuts, or other such foods, your composite filling may not last too long.
Poor Oral Habits
Getting a new filling for your tooth does not mean that you don’t need to brush or floss your teeth anymore. Skipping your oral care routine, even for a day, can cause plaque to build up around the edges of the filling. This can eventually lead to tooth decay again.
Teeth Grinding or Clenching
You may not realize that you grind your teeth at night, but the signs may show up at some point. One of them is that your composite filling may crack or break. It is a common issue why these composite fillings don’t last long enough in patients with bruxism.
When Should You Replace Them?
Your composite fillings can be strong enough to bear daily wear and tear. But if you notice these signs, it’s better to talk to your dentist about replacing your old fillings with new ones:
- Pain in the filled tooth when you chew
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Visible cracks in your filling
- Rough edges or uneven surface
- Your filling looks discolored
- The filling falls out
If any of these things happen, don’t ignore them. Get your tooth treated as soon as possible so that there is no more risk of infection. Also, replacing a filling is usually quick, meaning you can soon return to your routine.
Summing Up
Composite fillings are very durable, but still, they are not made to last forever. Their usual lifespan is 5 to 7 years, but you may enjoy their benefits for longer if you take proper care of your teeth.
To know if you should get composite fillings for your teeth, consult our dental experts at Hickerson Dental & Associates, DDS. P.C. Call us at (713) 782-3123 to schedule an appointment!