How Long Do Fillings Last?
Cavities are a common dental issue that you can easily treat with fillings. Fillings prevent further decay while also helping reinforce the tooth and alleviate any pain caused by the cavity.
At Family Dentistry of New Jersey (FDNJ), our dental care services will help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Think you may have a cavity? Get your filling appointment scheduled as soon as possible.
Types of Fillings
Dental fillings are made out of all kinds of different materials. Two of the most common types of fillings are:
- Composite: A composite filling (tooth-colored) is made out of microparticles including fine glass and plastic. They are tooth-colored and come in a variety of shades, making them the most widely used type of filling. Due to their natural look, these fillings are commonly used for your front teeth.
- Amalgam: An amalgam (metal) filling is made out of a combination of copper, tin, silver and mercury. These filings are also available in variations, like cast gold.
How Long Do Tooth Fillings Last?
While dental fillings are designed to last a long time, daily wear and tear from chewing or grinding your teeth can gradually weaken them. After a while, fillings may crack or even fall out. Depending on the type of filling you have, the amount of time it’s meant to last will vary:
- Composite: Composite fillings typically last around 10-12 years.
- Amalgam: These fillings usually last about 15 years.
How Long Does It Take to Fill a Cavity?
Depending on how serious the cavity is and how many tooth surfaces require treatment, it may take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour to fill. Before getting started, your dentist will numb the area using a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort and pain as they remove the decayed portion of your tooth.
Once the decayed portion is removed, your dentist will prepare the area and apply the filling material, which must be hardened with a special type of light.
To ensure the finished result is smooth, your dentist will polish your new filling to finish off the procedure.
Schedule an Appointment at FDNJ Today
At FDNJ, our specialty-trained dentists are committed to helping your entire family experience healthy smiles in a welcoming environment. Whether you need a cavity filled or your filling needs to be replaced, we can help. We put our patients first, ensuring they receive quality care with minimal discomfort.
Reach out today to schedule an appointment!
