When should I replace my fillings?

When does my filling need to be replaced? 

Dental fillings are a great way to restore a damaged tooth or to treat tooth decay. While many of us have fillings, you might not know that they’re not a permanent solution. Eventually, they need to be replaced. Here's how to know if it's time to visit your dentist for a filling replacement.  

How long do dental fillings last? 

The lifespan of your fillings depends on a few things. While the material they are made from is the biggest determining factor, what you eat, where your filling is located and your overall oral health will also impact their longevity.  

Here’s how long you can expect each material to last and how they differ: 

Gold fillings:  

Gold is a highly durable material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear from chewing and grinding. Gold fillings can last for up to 20 years but as a result, are the most expensive filling material. 

Amalgam fillings:  

Amalgam is affordable and very durable thanks to its blend of silver, copper, tin and mercury. While amalgam fillings are durable and can last 10-15 years, they can still break. Large amalgam fillings require a lot of tooth enamel to be removed. This material can expand and contract with changes in temperature.  

Composite fillings:  

Composite is one of the most common materials used in modern fillings due to its natural appearance. The composite can be matched to the exact shade of your tooth, so they’re practically unnoticeable. They’re relatively affordable and need to be replaced after 7-10 years.  

Ceramic fillings:  

Ceramic fillings are made from porcelain which is a very durable material and can last ten to 15 years. They're more expensive than composite fillings and often require two visits to a dentist.  

Glass ionomer fillings:  

Glass ionomer fillings only last for around 5 years and are more commonly used in children or as a semi-permanent solution.  

Other factors that can impact how long your fillings last 

Oral hygiene 

Oral health has a big impact on how long your filling will last. Make sure to brush twice a day and floss between your teeth. Brushing down to the gums will also remove plaque, tartar and bacteria from your gumline – an often-forgotten area of the mouth. 

Dental visits 

Regular appointments mean that your dentist can check the health of your filling every year. They can also replace your filling if it’s showing any early signs of cracking or wear and tear. Cracks and erosion to the filling material can cause bacteria to get into your tooth and cause more damage to what’s left of the natural tooth. 

Chewing  

Chewing and grinding food puts stress on the surface of our tooth – especially our molars. This can lead to cracks, chips and fractures on fillings in this area. If you have fillings on your back teeth you should get them checked regularly by a dentist. 

Diet 

If you have silver amalgam fillings, you should be careful about eating foods that are too hard. Nuts, lollies and ice can cause fillings to break while hard sticky foods, like caramel, can lift the material off your tooth. If you have composite fillings, be wary of eating too many citrus fruits, soda and wine as these can weaken the bonding material of your fillings.  

Temperature 

If you have amalgam fillings, very hot or very cold drinks can cause them to expand and contract. Over time, this can create cracks in the enamel of your teeth where bacteria can enter.  

How do I know if I need a new filling? 

These tips might help you determine if your filling is cracked, damage or just needs to be replaced.  

The texture feels ‘off’ 

Feel the texture of your fillings with your tongue. If it feels rough, coarse, or jagged, it may be time for a checkup. This could be a sign that the material has a crack in it, or your filling is chipped. 

You can see a crack 

If you have a silver amalgam filling, you might be able to see if it’s cracked. Look for a visible line or fracture running through your filling and a gap or discolouration where the tooth enamel is visible. 

It hurts when you chew 

If your tooth hurts when you bite or chew it could be a sign that there's something wrong with your filling. A crack would make your tooth more sensitive to pressure. 

It's been years since you got a filling 

If you have no idea when you first got a filling (and you haven’t been to the dentist in a while) it could be time to get them replaced.   

You’re sensitive to hot and cold 

Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures could be a sign that your filling is cracked or broken. If you experience tooth sensitivity for more than a day or two, you should book a dental appointment. 

You heard a crack 

Chewing on hard foods like ice or nuts is enough to cause damage to an existing filling. If you hear a crack and now something doesn’t feel right you should get it checked out. 

Need a filling checked? Book an appointment now 

If you’re not sure whether your filling needs to be replaced, a quick checkup can save you from pain and discomfort in the future. With four locations across Wellington, Gentle Dental is where gentle service and judgement free advice come together. Book an appointment now.