Dental fillings are like a protective barrier preventing the entry of harmful bacteria into our teeth. If your dentist recommends dental fillings in Kitchener, it means you have a cavity requiring fillings. You can go ahead with the treatment immediately to prevent the damage and maintain your smile.
Dental Filling Lifespan
Let’s take a look at how long we can expect dental fillings to last. The average lifespan of dental fillings ranges between a minimum of five years and a maximum of fifteen years. Dentists place the fillings that will last long because many factors come into play that can affect the life of the filling.
For example, composite filling, which is a tooth-colour filling can last about 5 to 7 years. However, a dental filling made of silver amalgam is more durable and can last about 10 to 15 years.
Factors Affecting Filling Lifespan
Several major factors determine the duration of dental fillings in your teeth. Understanding these can help you take better care of your teeth.
- Material Used: Different dental filling materials possess unique lifespan durations though components vary. Metal amalgam fillings last longer when compared to composite fillings. This is because amalgam fillings are stronger and can endure chewing forces better.
- Location of the Filling: Back teeth fillings last for a shorter time than fillings in other teeth due to the higher chewing force that is exerted on back teeth. The teeth that have fillings that last longer are the front teeth because they are not used as much for chewing.
- Oral Hygiene: A healthy mouth prevents many oral diseases and enhances general health. Fillings are made to last longer by brushing and flossing. Plaque and bacteria accumulation, however, can cause faster deterioration of fillings if good hygiene is not maintained.
- Diet: The type of food that a particular person eats can greatly determine the strength and durability of the fillings. Sweet snacks and sugary drinks promote cavity formation and at the same time weaken fillings. A diet with balanced nutrition actively supports tooth health while maintaining tooth strength.
- Habits: Habits that involve teeth use can deteriorate the quality of dental fillings. Tooth grinding known as bruxism during night applies pressure to your fillings which shortens their lifetime. Opening packages or eating ice with your teeth can lead to damage of dental fillings.
- Dental Visits: Regular check-ups with the dentist are essential. Regular dental check-ups enable dentists to find minor issues thus preventing major dental problems. Early evaluation of your filling condition or cavity development prevents future oral problems which helps avoid both time losses and additional discomfort.
Dental Filling Durability
It’s important to remember that fillings are durable. Knowing how to take care of your fillings and teeth will help them last longer. Here are a few tips for taking care of your fillings:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque.
- Avoid consuming hard foods to prevent chipping of your fillings.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups.
In summary, dental fillings play a key role in keeping your mouth healthy. They can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years depending on the material used, your oral hygiene, and your eating habits. By taking good care of your teeth, you can help your dental fillings last longer.
Receive Dental Fillings for a Healthier Smile today!
If you have a cavity or a damaged tooth, getting a dental filling can help restore your smile and protect your oral health. At Frederick Dental, we provide gentle and effective treatments to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Our team of dentist in Kitchener uses the latest techniques to ensure a comfortable experience in a friendly environment.
Don’t wait—take care of your teeth now! Schedule your appointment at Frederick Dental today!