Composite fillings are durable and seamlessly attractive restorations that typically last 7 to 10 years. In many cases, however, consistent at-home and professional care, combined with a bit of luck, can extend their lifespan even more.
What Affects the Lifespan of a Filling?
The lifespan of composite fillings depends on several variables, including:
- The size of the filling
- Where it's located in the mouth
- Regular wear and tear
- Existing oral health conditions
- Daily oral hygiene habits
At Bryant Family Dentistry, Drs. Jim and Chelsea Bryant and our caring team help patients understand the factors impacting filling longevity. For instance, fillings on back molars may wear faster because they absorb stronger chewing forces. Also, patients who grind their teeth, chew ice, or skip regular cleanings may also shorten the life of a filling.
Protecting Your Composite Fillings
Composite fillings blend naturally with teeth, making them an extremely popular choice for visible areas of the smile. Over time, however, any filling can wear down, chip, or loosen. Minimizing discomfort and long-term oral health risks when this happens comes down to recognizing warning signs, like increased sensitivity, rough edges, food trapping, or pain when biting.
Routine dental exams help detect small problems before they become larger cavities or cracks. Replacing an aging filling early is usually simpler than waiting until more damage occurs.
Durable, Natural-Looking Restorations in Knoxville, TN
If you’re in Knoxville and want to learn more about cavity treatment with tooth-colored composite fillings and when to replace old dental work, contact the experienced Bryant Family Dentistry team to schedule a consultation.