Prior to getting a filling, you may be under the impression that they last forever. Sadly the truth is that they are more like tires on a car – they need to be maintained and occasionally changed out. Let’s dive right in!

YOU MAY BE SURPRISED TO LEARN that dental fillings don’t last forever! While they are extremely durable and can last years, there will come a time when they will have to be replaced. If they are installed and maintained properly, you should expect a dental filling to last about 10 years.

Your Dentist Should Check Your Fillings At Regular Visits

The length of time a filling will last depends on a number of factors, such as:

• Type of filling procedure performed
• Size of area being treated or replaced
• Kind of materials used for the filling
• Patient’s level of oral hygiene and care

This means that your care plays a role in how long your filling will last. At your six-month appointment, your dentist should check your fillings and make sure they are still intact. We will look for early signs of wear and tear so we can replace a dental filling before it breaks, loses its effectiveness, or falls out on its own. We also take x-rays to make sure there is no decay under or around a filling, which can cause it to come loose.

Emergency Dental Filling Repair & Replacement

Despite your best efforts, a filling may crack or fall out unexpectedly. This is unlikely to occur if you visit your dentist regularly, however accidents can happen. Over time, dental fillings can be weakened by:

• Tooth decay
• Frequent jaw clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Chewing on hard items or foods
• Injury or trauma, such as those sustained during sports activities
• Time

No filling lasts forever no matter how well kept. If you ever have a filling fall out, don’t panic and don’t wait. Even if it falls out after hours, call your dentist immediately. If you’re a patient, your dentist will likely to be able to see you very quickly. We know how much discomfort and pain dental issues can cause.

In the meantime, keep your filling if you can but don’t try to push it back into place. Make sure to keep the affected area clean and debris-free.

If you don’t experience any pain after losing a filling, it’s still important to come in as soon as possible to have it treated. Not seeking immediate care could result in pain, discomfort, and even tooth loss.