Are Dental Fillings Permanent?

Dental fillings can run you hundreds of dollars, but are fillings permanent? When you spend money on dental work you want to know that the money is well spent and the fillings will last! Well, don’t worry, because we are going to tell you everything you need to know about dental fillings so you can make an informed choice before you find a dentist! 

Let’s take a look!

What Is a Dental Filling

Build-up on your teeth can lead to plaque and tooth decay. When this happens, a cavity forms on your tooth that causes pain and worsens the decay of the tooth. The only way to prevent tooth loss is a dental filling. 

The filling is applied by a dentist using special tools, tooth-colored material, and light to cure the filling. Once the filling has been applied a patient can go back to their normal life as if the cavity never existed. With that being said, it isn’t always permanent

Filling Materials

When talking about fillings there are several different types of materials used. 

• Gold
• Porcelain
• Silver amalgam
• Plastic
• Glass ionomer
• Ceramic

Each type of filling has there own pros and cons. These are important to consider and should be recommended by your dentist. It is also important to note that you should always check with your insurance to see what types they will cover. 

These materials used in different fillings can be broken down into two groups of fillings; Almagram and compost. 

Amalgam Fillings

These are your more traditional type of fillings. They are made from a variety of different metals. Because of the materials used, they are very durable and long-lasting. Typically you can expect an Amalgam Filling to last around 15 years before it should be removed and replaced. This can vary however depending on a person’s dental hygiene. 

Composite Fillings

Unlike Amalgam fillings, Composite Fillings are made from a variety of both glass and plastic materials. These are more customized and can be changed to match your enamel and smile! Which is very important if you’re trying to figure out how to keep your teeth super white. However, they aren’t necessary as long-lasting. You can expect a Composite Filling to last around 10-12 years. Again though, this can vary depending on the person’s dental hygiene.

Working With A Dentist

Dental fillings last quite a while, so it’s not something to take lightly. Choosing the right type of dental implants is an important decision. Both types of fillings also have pros and cons, so it’s very important to speak with a professional. We recommend speaking with this local dentist for having your filling put in! Always speak with a professional before trying to make a decision.

So, Are Fillings Permanent?

Fillings are a great way to fix a persons decaying teeth, which is why they have been used for over 100 years. So, the question is, are fillings permanent? The answer is technically no, fillings aren’t permanent. However, they do last a long time! Anywhere from 10-15 years with good hygiene practices. Visit https://www.ntdsherman.com/ for more information on dental fillings.

If you enjoyed this article and would like to see more just like it, head over to our health blog page.