Tooth decay is one of the most common, dangerous and preventable dental ailments. If you’ve had a cavity in your lifetime, you most likely had a filling to treat it. However, while fillings are effective long-term solutions for tooth decay, they don’t last forever.
You may be wondering, “How long do fillings last?” “How many times can a filling be replaced?” or “Can a filling be redone?” Don’t worry! Your Sydney dental specialists at Marsfield Dental Care have all of these answers and more. Here’s what you need to know about filling replacement.
Fillings don’t last forever, so it’s important to frequently get fillings checked and redone to ensure lasting benefits. The two most common types of fillings are amalgam fillings and composite fillings. Amalgam fillings are made from metals and usually last 15 years. Composite fillings are made from glass and plastic to match the colour of your teeth. Most composite fillings only last 10-12 years.
Like any dental appliance, and your teeth, fillings wear down over time due to age, chewing, acidic foods – the same elements that erode your enamel. This pressure may cause a filling to leak, crack, discolour or even fall out.
Once a filling breaks, you must get a filling replacement immediately. Otherwise, food particles and bacteria will penetrate the area around the filling and attack the exposed dentin.
Tooth sensitivity is the leading indicator that you need to replace your filling. If you suddenly experience a persistent toothache or increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, you should contact your dentist to check whether your filling is to blame.
Fortunately, you can replace a filling as many times as necessary throughout your lifetime, provided you don’t let a broken filling last for too long. The longer you expose a broken filling to food and bacteria, the more likely you are to experience further tooth decay. If the bacteria reach the pulp or root of your tooth, you’ll need to have a root canal procedure instead of a filling replacement.
It’s best practice to schedule a routine appointment with your dentist every six months to a year to ensure your teeth and fillings are in good condition. Regular check-ups allow your dentist to catch a broken filling before it persists and leads to further tooth decay. Furthermore, if you’re experiencing tooth pain or increased sensitivity to temperature changes, make an appointment with your dentist right away! It’s better to be safe and have routine fillings replaced than to have to get a root canal because you let a broken filling persist for too long.
Can a filling be redone? Absolutely, and Marsfield Dental Care in Sydney is happy to help. To schedule a dental appointment with Marsfield Dental Care in Sydney, call us on 02 9887 1961 or click the button below.
"The information in this website may be simplified in nature and does not replace professional advice. Risks and consequences may apply to any treatment. Always seek a second opinion when considering complex treatment. A referral to a specialist may be required in certain situations. Quotations can only be given after proper clinical assessment and so pricing details cannot be given over the phone."
COVID 19 Update - Oct 2021
All our members of staff - Dentists and supporting assistants - are fully vaccinated. We are a COVID-safe practice and we are open for all general dental treatment needs and services.
