Dental fillings are the best way to restore decayed teeth, treat cavities, and prevent further decay and painful complications like tooth infections. In the filling process, damaged and decayed enamel is removed from the tooth, and then is replaced with an inert, tooth-like material such as dental composite or metal amalgam.
By eliminating the weak and damaged tooth material, fillings can completely halt the progression of cavities. Along with proper at-home oral hygiene and a healthy lifestyle, fillings provide excellent long-term protection against future tooth decay. If you have a cavity, or are experiencing dental pain, get in touch with us at All Smiles Dental Studio today to get the assistance you need in Cincinnati.
This primarily depends on the type of material used for your filling, as well as your own personal oral hygiene habits and your lifestyle. For the most part, you can expect composite fillings to last somewhere between 5 and 10 years. Metal amalgam fillings tend to last somewhat longer, with a lifespan of 10-15 years.
So while fillings are durable, they won’t last forever. That’s one of the reasons why it’s important to see a dentist in Cincinnati like Dr. Hanks for six months appointments. During your appointment at All Smiles Dentistry, Dr. Hanks can check your fillings to make sure they’re in good shape, and suggest follow-ups and replacement fillings if they are peeling, failing, or damaged.
This mostly depends on the location of your cavity. Composite fillings are preferred for front teeth or visible teeth, since they have a natural, tooth-like appearance. They are not quite as long lasting as metal fillings, but they do provide much better cosmetic results.
In contrast, Dr. Hanks rarely recommends metal fillings for front teeth, since they have an unnatural appearance. They are better for filling rear teeth which are not as visible. Metal fillings also are more resistant to wear and tear from chewing, which is important due to the high chewing forces of the rear molars and premolars.
