Dental fillings are among the most common tooth restoration. They’re usually required when the surface of a person’s tooth is compromised by a minor cavity or lesion. In such cases, fillings restore the tooth’s strength and natural appearance and protect against further damage.

Dental filling procedures are generally quite quick and straightforward, seldom requiring more than a single trip to the dentist. The procedure consists of the dentist preparing and quickly applying a form of quick-drying cement to the damaged spot on the tooth. Estimates of filling longevity vary significantly based on a variety of circumstances (between 5 and 44 years!), but we can reasonably state that well-applied and properly cared-for fillings often last for a decade or more.

What Materials Are Dental Fillings Made Of?

Dental fillings can be comprised of a variety of materials. The material used for a filling generally depends on the extent of the damage to the tooth and the tooth’s location in the mouth.

For less visible teeth, amalgam fillings, comprised of a combination of metals, including silver, tin, and copper, are popular. This is because amalgam fillings, while not a top aesthetic choice, are extremely durable and less pricy than those using other materials, making them the preferred choice for frequently used teeth that are hidden in the back of the mouth.

However, for more visible teeth, tooth-colored fillings are a preferred method for restoring both aesthetics and function.

What Materials Make Up Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings are a popular tool in cosmetic dentistry for restoring a tooth’s form and function, along with the natural look of the patient’s smile. Tooth-colored fillings are typically made of a mixture of glass or quartz and composite resin. Though composite resin is less durable than amalgam, its amenability to shading to match the color of natural teeth makes it extremely popular for prominently located fillings.

Porcelain can also be used for tooth-colored fillings. Porcelain offers the dual advantages of excellent durability and aesthetics, though it is worth noting that porcelain is among the priciest dental filling options.

How Do Tooth-Colored Fillings Differ from Traditional Dental Fillings?

Due to their composition of composite resin or porcelain, tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly with natural teeth. Helping achieve this is the fact that these materials are customizable and can be optimized to match the shade and texture of surrounding teeth.

This makes tooth-colored fillings a discreet and far more aesthetically pleasing solution for restorations in visible areas of the mouth than more conspicuous traditional fillings made from materials like silver amalgam.

How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?

As we noted above, a typical dental filling can be expected to last for anywhere between a few years and multiple decades. This admittedly rather large range is influenced by several general and case-specific factors:

• The type of material used in the filling
• The patient’s day-to-day dietary and dental hygiene habits
• The level of damage to the tooth prior to the filling
• The repaired tooth’s exposure to potential damage via contact sports or nighttime teeth-grinding

Generally speaking, silver amalgam fillings tend to have the longest lifespan, typically lasting 15 years or more. Also at the highest end of the longevity spectrum are gold and ceramic, each of which can last 10-15 years or more. Among tooth-colored fillings, porcelain offers the greatest durability, with a lifespan of up to 15 years with proper care. Tooth-colored fillings made of composite resin, meanwhile, generally only have a lifespan of 5-7 years.

Of course, you must consult with your dentist to determine the type of dental filling that’s best suited to your specific needs.

Top-Tier Cosmetic Dentistry in Seymour, TN

If you’re in the Seymour area and looking for a dental practice with experience and expertise guiding patients through the sometimes tricky waters of cosmetic dentistry, from tooth-colored fillings to clear aligner orthodontics to same-day dental crowns, contact me, Dr. Haley Julian-Hill, and the friendly and knowledgeable Seymour Dental Associates team to schedule a consultation!