{"id":298,"date":"2024-05-06T15:38:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-06T15:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.regiondentalcare.com\/blog\/?p=298"},"modified":"2024-06-18T15:43:40","modified_gmt":"2024-06-18T15:43:40","slug":"dental-fillings-longevity-protips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.regiondentalcare.com\/blog\/2024\/05\/06\/dental-fillings-longevity-protips\/","title":{"rendered":"Dental Filling Protips: Learn About Your Restoration\u2019s Longevity"},"content":{"rendered":"
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You recently got a dental filling<\/a>. But you were so focused on the treatment and aftercare instructions that you forgot to ask about one tiny detail. How long should you expect your filling to last? After all, you\u2019re pretty <\/em>sure it\u2019s not made of something like stainless steel. Now that you\u2019re thinking about it, how will you know when it\u2019s time to replace it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve got the answers to those questions right here. And for a little bonus content, we\u2019ll look at ways you can ensure your dental filling lasts for as long as possible. Just keep reading for some protips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Long Can I Expect My Dental Filling to Last?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How long your dental filling lasts depends on a couple of factors. A major one is the material it\u2019s made of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The metal amalgam fillings from the days of dentistry past received some stigmatization because of their obvious silver (or gold) color. However, on average they hold up for about 15 years!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These days composite resin is a more popular material choice for dental fillings. They generally last seven years, which is still a good while, and patients love that they\u2019re tooth-colored. You won\u2019t have to endure any dad-jokes about metal teeth!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Will I Know When it\u2019s Time to Replace My Dental Filling?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s difficult for an untrained eye to notice when a dental filling needs replaced. By the time your restored tooth starts to feel some discomfort, it\u2019s probably been too long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your dentist can still make the replacement, but they also could\u2019ve spared you from some trouble<\/a>. See, dentists have special tools for examining dental fillings. If you visit your dentist just twice a year per recommendation, they can check on your filling and replace it before it causes irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Maintain my Dental Filling and Avoid Frequent Replacements?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Besides visiting your dentist twice a year for routine cleaning and maintenance<\/a>, there are some things you can do at home to promote long-lasting fillings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n