How Long Dental Fillings Last & When to Replace Them
Keeping Your Smile Strong and Healthy
Your smile deserves the best care, and that includes keeping your dental fillings in great shape. Fillings restore teeth after cavities or damage, but they don’t last forever. Over time, natural wear, daily chewing, and temperature changes can weaken them. Knowing when to replace dental fillings helps you protect your teeth before small problems become big ones.
How Long Do Dental Fillings Usually Last?
Different filling materials last for different amounts of time. Here’s a quick guide:
Composite (tooth-colored) fillings: 7 to 10 years
Amalgam (silver) fillings: 10 to 15 years
Gold fillings: 15 to 30 years
Porcelain fillings: 10 to 15 years
These are averages. Your actual results depend on your eating habits, oral hygiene, and how often you visit your dentist for checkups. Even with good care, fillings eventually wear down or crack.
When you visit Smiles by Pinto, our team checks your existing fillings during every cleaning to make sure they are still protecting your teeth properly.
Signs You May Need to Replace Dental Fillings
You might not always feel pain when a filling starts to fail, but there are warning signs to watch for. You should schedule a dental visit if you notice:
Sharp pain when you chew or bite
Sensitivity to cold or hot foods
A visible crack, chip, or dark line around the filling
Food getting stuck in the same spot
Rough edges or a loose feeling when you touch the tooth
Old silver fillings that look dark or discolored
If you experience any of these issues, it’s time to replace dental fillings before bacteria can sneak under and cause decay. Ignoring a damaged filling can lead to infection, a root canal, or even tooth loss.
Why Replacing a Filling Matters
When a filling weakens, small gaps can form between the filling and your tooth. Those gaps allow bacteria to enter, leading to new decay beneath the surface. Replacing an old filling restores your tooth’s structure, prevents further damage, and improves your overall comfort.
Sometimes, if too much of the tooth is worn down, your dentist may recommend a dental crown instead of another filling. Crowns offer extra protection for teeth that need more support.
How Smiles by Pinto Helps You Feel at Ease
We know that dental visits can feel stressful, but at Smiles by Pinto, your comfort always comes first. Our caring professionals take time to explain each step and make sure you feel calm and informed.
We offer safe, high-quality materials that match your natural teeth, so your smile looks great and feels healthy. Whether you need a small repair or a complete dental fillings replacement, you’ll receive gentle care designed around your needs.
How to Make Your Fillings Last Longer
You can extend the life of your fillings with simple daily habits:
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss gently but consistently.
Avoid biting on ice or hard candies.
Visit your dentist every six months for exams and cleanings.
Tell your dentist about any new sensitivity or discomfort right away.
Regular checkups allow your dentist to catch small issues early, saving you time and money in the long run.
Ready to Replace Your Dental Fillings?
If you’ve noticed discomfort, sensitivity, or cracks in your fillings, it’s time to take care of them before they worsen. At Smiles by Pinto, we make the process simple and comfortable. Our friendly team in Hackensack, NJ will examine your teeth, explain your options, and create a personalized plan to restore your smile’s strength and beauty.
Don’t wait for a small problem to turn into pain, schedule your appointment today and let our caring professionals help you protect your smile for years to come.
120 State St #3, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Call us at (201) 343-4483 to book your visit today.
Because your smile deserves lasting care, and you deserve to feel comfortable every step of the way.
