How Long Should Fillings Last?

Tooth fillings lifespan may vary significantly and can last a long time, depending on the type of material used, and the overall oral hygiene of the surrounding teeth.

If you’ve had dental fillings while you were a child, there’s a good chance they will need to be replaced as you reach adulthood. However, naturally, this only applies to fillings are applied to an adult tooth - fillings in baby teeth will not be required as adult teeth come in.

Tooth fillings can be long-lasting but may need to be replaced to avoid tooth decay, or when uncovering a treated cavity. While most of us have had a filling before, it’s important to understand when fillings may need to be replaced and how to ensure that they last as long as possible.

Factors That Affect How Long Fillings Last

Filling material 

Dental fillings can be made from composite resin, silver, gold, and porcelain. Each of these materials vary in durability:

• Resin (Composite) - upto 10 years or more 

• Silver (Amalgam) - upto 20 years or more 

• Gold - upto 20 years or more 

• Porcelain - upto 15 years or more 

Composite resin fillings are the most common and are white/natural tooth coloured so they blend in easily. Composite is often used for small and large fillings, especially for front teeth or visible parts of the teeth, and can last a number of years, with good oral hygiene practices. 

Porcelain fillings can also match the existing tooth’s colour, making them a popular choice for front and visible fillings. 

Silver and gold fillings stand out in terms of durability, but are more noticeable. To minimise visibility, silver and gold fillings are usually used for cavities on molars at the back of the mouth. 

Impact on the tooth

To keep fillings in place, dentists use a special bonding adhesive and shape the material to lock it into position. 

Impact to the tooth, such as from a fall or biting down hard on something can result in damage to the filling. Repeated impact to the tooth or the filling will reduce integrity and potentially loosen the material over time.

Oral hygiene

Dental fillings work by covering up cavities to minimise the risk of further tooth decay - but they cannot prevent it completely. Practicing good oral hygiene like brushing and flossing regularly is still one of the best ways to prevent dental decay. 

Poor oral hygiene leads to the development of new cavities, which can compromise the protection of existing dental fillings and may lead to an earlier need for replacement. 

Filling location 

Dental fillings are durable enough to withstand wear and tear from chewing, but the pressure from biting down on hard foods can shorten lifespan. Fillings located in the back of the mouth (molars) usually require replacement sooner compared to those teeth at the front of the mouth.

Do dental fillings “expire”?

Dental fillings do not have an expiry date in the conventional sense, but they will eventually need to be replaced. Fillings can crack, leak, or fall out depending on the type of damage or wear and tear experienced. 

How to determine if a filling needs replacing

Increased tooth sensitivity - Damaged dental fillings no longer protect the cavity, and can increase exposure to the sensitive nerves in the tooth. If you suddenly experience tooth pain or discomfort when eating cold or hot foods, it can mean that a dental filling may need to be replaced.

Cracks or chipping - Visible cracks, chipping, or deformation in or around the dental filling can be a clear sign that replacement may be required. Leaving a cracked dental filling unaddressed can increase the risk of decay in the exposed cavity. 

Loose fillings - Dental fillings that feel loose need to be replaced. Proper dental fillings are locked into place and fully cover the cavity. 

Tips to make fillings last longer

To make your dental fillings last longer, your dentist will provide instructions and tips on how to practice good oral hygiene.

Brush and floss regularly

Brushing and flossing removes bacteria and food particles, and helps prevent new decay from setting in around dental fillings. Try not to brush too hard on areas where there are fillings, as this can erode the bonding adhesive and cause the filling to come loose.

Avoid hard foods 

Excessive chewing on hard foods like nuts, ice, and hard lollies can damage fillings and cause them to need replacement sooner. If you do want to eat crunchy or tough to chew foods, try chew using teeth that do not have fillings. 

Attend frequent checkups 

Visit your dentist for regular 6 monthly checkups. Your dentist can check the integrity of your fillings and add more material if necessary to ensure that fillings continue protecting your teeth for a long time.