I read somewhere that composite fillings are supposed to last 5-7 years but I’ve head some of those for 10-12 years (on back teeth). Does it mean that they will fall out any time now? I was never worried about how long they would last but I thought they had a longer estimated "lifespan".
A composite filling is made up of quartz granules in a glue-like matrix. As you chew the filling material wears and the quartz particles chip away. This happens very slowly in a small restoration and happens more quickly the larger the surface area is which is exposed to the wear.
I personally would only get a white filling on a back tooth if it was very tiny. For a proper restoration which will last years, get a gold inlay, onlay or crown depending on the size of the filling needed. I have gold restorations in my mouth which were placed 40 years ago when I was in my 20s and they are still going strong.
They look like beautiful polished jewellery in my mouth.
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I have a composite filling that is crumbling right now. It is about five years old. The amalgam fillings have lasted for decades. My composite filling is on a back tooth. I think the pressure of chewing made it wear away even faster.
I like the look if the white fillings, but I guess they have to be repaired or replaced often. Not sure what I will get next time. I hate seeing all that metal in my mouth.
References :
well, if they where done right they should last even longer then 10-12 years and it also depends what u eat
References :
It depends on the condition of the tooth, first of all. If the tooth should really have a crown, (very little tooth structure or missing any cusps/corners) you may only get a couple years out of it before you break it apart. If there is quite a bit of tooth structure left, on the other hand, a composite filling could last you decades. I’ve had one for over 15 years that’s still going strong.
Silver (amalgam) fillings are silver metal and have Mercury in them. They may last longer for some people, but the are also more prone to leaking, resulting in decay beneath the filling and leading to root canals.
Ultimately it is your choice. Just make sure the tooth is a true candidate for a successful composite, or else you’ll end up spending just as much out of pocket in the long run than if you just got a crown!
References :
Dental Office employee
A composite filling is made up of quartz granules in a glue-like matrix. As you chew the filling material wears and the quartz particles chip away. This happens very slowly in a small restoration and happens more quickly the larger the surface area is which is exposed to the wear.
I personally would only get a white filling on a back tooth if it was very tiny. For a proper restoration which will last years, get a gold inlay, onlay or crown depending on the size of the filling needed. I have gold restorations in my mouth which were placed 40 years ago when I was in my 20s and they are still going strong.
They look like beautiful polished jewellery in my mouth.
References :
35 years a dentist and dentistry professor