{"id":66,"date":"2025-01-07T12:26:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-07T12:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.coloradospringscompletedentistry.com\/blog\/?p=66"},"modified":"2026-01-05T17:29:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T17:29:00","slug":"how-long-dental-fillings-last","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.coloradospringscompletedentistry.com\/blog\/how-long-dental-fillings-last\/","title":{"rendered":"Timing Your Tooth Repair: How Long Dental Fillings Last"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you have dental fillings, rest assured that your weaker teeth are just fine. The treatment<\/a> is great at protecting damaged and decayed pearly whites. Still, don’t forget that your fillings won’t last forever; you’ll need to replace them after enough time passes. Your Colorado Springs dentist will gladly help you out with that replacement work. To that end, here’s a primer on dental fillings, their lifespan, and when to replace them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the Lifespan of a Dental Filling?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While an average dental filling can last about ten years, the exact lifespan varies from patient to patient. How long your own fillings work will depend on various factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A dental filling\u2019s material is one such factor of note. When made of amalgam, you can expect it\u2019ll be durable and last (if well-maintained) roughly 15 years or so. Glass iomer fillings are fragile, so they only work for about five years at most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patient\u2019s lifestyle is another big influence. After all, a filling can be short or long-lived based on your eating habits, oral hygiene, and similar activities. Your treatment results could last a great deal of time if you keep your smile super strong and healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Should a Filling Be Replaced?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Besides its age, several things can help you tell if a filling needs replacement. You just need to be on the lookout for the relevant signs and signals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, a filling that\u2019s cracked or worn down should be replaced. It\u2019ll be less effective once it\u2019s developed flaws in its surface, putting your tooth at risk of decay. Failing to switch it out could lead to a severe cavity or an infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also want to replace fillings in any sensitive teeth. Once the areas around the resin start hurting, your treatment has begun to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Should You Care for Your Fillings?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To ensure your dental fillings reach their full lifespans, look after them with the tips below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n