When coming into our office, patients are often surprised when we tell them that their fillings need to be replaced. If you had fillings when you were younger, chances are that due to time, use, and habits they may need to be redone one day.
The life span of the filling depends on several factors.
The duration a filling will stay in your mouth depends upon the material originally used and the method in which the dentist placed the restoration. Our technology has progressed over time so we have better ways to perform the procedure than we did years ago.
Where the filling is located can have some bearing on how long the filling will last. Posterior fillings (or fillings on the back molars) are subject to more stress and may more easily fracture.
Finally, a patient’s oral health and diet is a factor. Not caring properly for your teeth and eating a more sugar-based diet make your fillings more likely to fail over time.
5 ways to make your fillings last longer:
- Avoid soft drinks and sugary foods.
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Avoid biting on hard foods that may break the restoration.
- Visit my office at intervals we’ve suggested for cleanings. It gives me a chance to perform periodic exams to keep a watch on anything that may be concerning.
- If you grind your teeth, ask me about mouthguard options.
Be sure to contact my office if you have any tooth pain, change in tooth color, unusual odor emitting from your mouth, or if you see a crack or chip in your existing filling.
You may make an appointment online or call our office at 440.354.0705.
Sincerely,
Patrick J. Soria, DDS
