Decay and cavities are the first signs of tooth damage. The standard treatment to address the concern is to scrape out the decay and fill the cavity space with a dental filling. While dental fillings promise great benefits, the results are not permanent though. West Hollywood Orthodontics marks that each dental filling needs a timely replacement to ensure it functions properly. But how many times can a filling be replaced safely? Let’s find out!
Why Are Dental Fillings Necessary?
Once a tooth gets infected due to a build-up of decay it gradually begins to lose its functional strength. It triggers symptoms like toothache and sensitivity, necessitating the need for dental filling. The dental filling helps restore the shape, function, and strength of the tooth.
Common Types Of Dental Fillings
Orthodontics West Hollywood experts highlight that different materials are used for dental restoration and the choice depends upon individual preferences based on innate abilities of each type. The commonly used materials for dental filling are:
- Gold
- Silver amalgam
- Ceramic
- Composite resin
- Glass ionomer
Lifespan Of Dental Fillings
Different dental filling materials have some characteristic features that make them the perfect choice for dental fillers. The duration of efficacy is completely dependent upon the type of material used for dental filling.
- Silver amalgam fillings last up to 15 years
- Gold fillings have the longest productive years ranging between 15 to 30 years
- Ceramic fillings work best for up to 10 years
- Composite resin remains good and effective for a term between 7 to 10 years
- Glass ionomer dental fillings are good for up to 7 years.
Factors That Affect Results
Interestingly, the fillings can last longer than the averages mentioned above. In addition to the natural properties of a particular material that affect its durability, a range of other factors also play a crucial role in prolonging its usage span. These are:
- Size Of The Filling – If the size of the filling is too big, the tooth will not have enough structural strength to hold it in place for long. This impacts its longevity.
- Location Of the Filling – Fillings in molars tend to give away rather quickly. This is because they are used in regular chewing and wear off faster than dental fillings in less active areas.
- Poor Oral Hygiene – Maintaining good oral hygiene is mandatory for preventing the dental filling and the surrounding tooth structure from any further decay.
- Involuntary Chewing Habits – Involuntary clenching and grinding of teeth cause damage to the tooth enamel and dental fillings.
- Unhealthy Dietary Habits – Consuming too much of sugary or acidic foods increases the risk of tooth decay. It also impacts the lifespan of the dental fillings.
Signs That Your Dental Filling Needs Replacement
The mentioned lifespan of dental fillings is only an indicator. A dental filling needs replacement when it begins to show signs of wearing out. These include:
- Fall Out – If the filling falls out or begins to chip from one end, Los Angeles Orthodontics suggests it requires a replacement.
- Tooth Sensitivity – A worn-out filling increases tooth sensitivity. The tooth becomes sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli.
- Discoloration – If the filling shows signs of discoloration and stains, it can be an indicator of decay and infection building around its edges.
- Toothache – A loose or improperly fitting dental filling causes persistent toothache and discomfort.
- Bad Breath – A persistent foul smell from the oral cavity can be an indication of breeding bacteria. If there are recurrent cavities or decay around the filling site, chances are that the filling is leaking and requires a replacement.
How Many Times Can a Filling Be Replaced Safely?
If you experience any signs of damage to the filling, it’s best to get it reviewed. The dentist will manually assess the area and carry out an x-ray to check the extent of damage. While filling replacement is always an option and technically there is no limit to the number of times one can have a filling replaced, the dentist will evaluate the strength of the dental structure before planning a replacement for the dental filling.
However expert dental clinics highlight that repeated replacements are not always possible.
Preparing the tooth for the filling requires scraping off the decay. This is done until the healthy tooth area is in sight. Repeated treatments will weaken the tooth structure, making it incapable of holding the dental filling. Also, if the decay is widespread and begins to damage the pulp or the root of the tooth, filling will not remain the ideal treatment option.
In such cases, extracting the damaged tooth or safeguarding it through a root canal treatment are the available choices. Alternative procedures like inlays and onlays, or dental crowns may be considered for protecting the external structure of the tooth thereby preserving its strength and overall aesthetics.
Final Thoughts
Dental fillings are one of the basic orthodontic treatments that help protect the integrity of the decaying tooth. But unless there is sufficient tooth structure in place, a dental filling or subsequent replacements are not possible. Dentists at leading orthodontic clinics like the Personal Dental Office have the expertise and equipment to check if a replacement for a worn-out dental filling is possible. In cases where chances of success are bleak, they suggest alternative treatment plans to enhance your tooth’s functionality. They work closely with you to help you decide what’s best for you.
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Eamon