Dental fillings can last for a decade or longer, depending on their material. Knowing when to replace them will ensure you stay on top of your oral health, prevent dental problems, and maintain the look and comfort of your smile. Find out when to replace yours in the guide below.

Life Span

How long a dental filling lasts depends on several factors, including wear and tear, its location, how it was set, and whether you grind your teeth. Silver amalgam was once the norm, but as more natural-looking materials were developed, it’s declined a bit in popularity. Nonetheless, it tends to be one of the longest-lasting options. With proper care, silver can remain in good shape for 10 years or more. Composite resin looks more natural, but it usually isn’t as durable as silver. The average person should expect to replace it every five to seven years.

Benefits

The primary benefit of a replacement is to protect the tooth. Over time, a filling can weaken, and just the act of biting down could cause it to break, crack, leak, or fall out entirely. A new one helps maintain a comfortable and uniform bite as well. But many people choose to replace fillings to achieve a more natural appearance. They improve their smiles by switching out old, tarnished silver ones for ones that match the shade and shape of surrounding teeth.

Signs

Loosening or cracking are telltale signs that a replacement is in order. You may also experience toothaches, sensitivity, and mouth soreness. If you have a silver filling, look out for any discoloration to the surrounding teeth, which could signal leaking metal and should be addressed promptly by a dentist.

If you notice any of these signs or your fillings are reaching the end of their natural life span, turn to Helmbrecht Dental. Serving the Fairbanks, AK, area, they offer general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services. If you’re concerned about payment, don’t hesitate to ask about their financing plans. Schedule an appointment today by calling (907) 456-1237, or learn more about their services on their website.