Recently a new patient came in for their first check-up. They had been with a previous dentist for several decades. That dentist had filled some of their teeth and put crowns on a number of teeth over the years. Unfortunately, the patient’s previous dentist had never replaced any of their fillings or crowns.
Upon examination, those existing fillings and crowns had deteriorated over time to the point where the patient not only needed a number of fillings replaced, but also a number of crowns.
Needless to say, the patient was upset because their dental insurance only covered a certain dollar amount of dental care per year, so most of the replacement cost would have to be incurred by the patient. They also mistakenly believed that dental fillings and crowns rarely, if ever, need to be replaced.
Dental Fillings
The truth is that dental fillings don’t last forever.1 There are three basic types of dental fillings and each has its own period of longevity.
Silver amalgam fillings have been the most widely used dental filling for over 100 years. Silver fillings can often last for 15 years.2 As with all fillings, they need to be checked by a dentist regularly to make sure they are still intact. It is most important that silver amalgam fillings be inspected regularly by a dentist as they can expose a patient to low levels of mercury, in the form of vapor, if they are damaged.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that “available evidence does not show that exposure to mercury from dental amalgam will lead to adverse health effects in the general population” but cautions that some vulnerable groups, such as children and pregnant and nursing women are at greater risk.3 Silver amalgam fillings are very durable and more affordable than tooth-colored fillings.
Tooth colored fillings, called composite resins, more closely resemble original tooth materials so they have become more widely used in recent years. Composite resins are durable and resist fractures in small- to mid-size fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from chewing.4 Composite resin fillings don’t last as long as silver amalgam fillings. Depending on how well a patient takes care of their oral hygiene these fillings can last from 5 to 10 years.5
The third basic type of filling is a gold filling. Gold fillings, also called inlays or onlays, are the most durable, lasting up to 30 years.6 They are also the most expensive filling option and the least-natural looking option.
Crowns
There are several different dental crown materials, and depending on your oral care habits and the type of material used, crowns can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.7 The most durable material used is gold. More costly than other materials, gold crowns are usually only used in back molars as they stand out in a patient’s mouth rather than blend in. Porcelain on metal crowns last past 10 years but they can wear down and chip. Porcelain/ceramic crowns also last about 10 years but are less durable and more prone to cracking and chipping than porcelain on metal crowns.
Resin crowns are also available. It is the least expensive material to use, but also the least durable with a life expectancy of less than 10 years. The location of the tooth that needs a crown usually dictates which type of material a dentist will recommend for your crown.
Take Away
Your daily oral care routine can play a big part in the longevity of dental fillings and crowns. Good oral care means brushing for at least two minutes, twice a day with a soft bristled brush that is sized so it can reach every portion of your mouth. Use a toothpaste containing fluoride.
It is also important to clean between your teeth where your toothbrush doesn’t reach. Use dental floss or interdental cleaners to clean between your teeth and prevent gum disease.8 Make sure you are brushing and flossing correctly. If recommended by your dentist, use a mouth rinse, with or without fluoride, each day. Good nutrition also plays a role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy and your fillings and crowns intact.
Seeing your dentist for regular checkups twice a year can make a difference in your overall dental and physical health. Our Walled Lake Dental Office offers services that address all dental concerns including cosmetic dentistry, dental treatments, restorative dentistry, children’s dentistry and so much more.
If you are looking for a dentist with vast experience and a compassionate staff, call our dental office in Walled Lake today!
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1, 2, 5, 6 How Long Will My Dental Fillings Last? by Dr. Jason Abel, 11/27/2017
Link: https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/how-long-will-my-dental-fillings-last/
3 Dental Amalgam Fillings
Link: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/dental-amalgam-fillings#risks
4Dental Filling Options
Link: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-filling-options
7 How Long Do Dental Crowns Last? 11/21/2022
Link: https://dentalhealthsociety.com/crowns/how-long-do-dental-crowns-last/
8Tips for Good Oral Hygiene and Healthy Smiles, 5/2/2017
Link: https://dentistry.uic.edu/news-stories/tips-for-good-oral-hygiene-and-healthy-smiles/