A dental filling is a very effective procedure with long-lasting results, but you have to have replacements. Many people who have gotten dental fillings question: How soon do we have to go for a dental filling again? The answer depends on the type of filling material and on your oral hygiene. Generally, they last for 5-15 years.
Read this detailed guide to know further details.
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last in Pakistan?
The life span of a filling is normal and varies with the material:
| Type of Filling | Lifespan |
| Amalgam (Silver) | 10–15 years |
| Composite (Tooth-colored) | 5–10 years |
| Gold | 15–30 years |
| Ceramic/Porcelain | 10–20 years |
| Glass Ionomer | 3–5 years (temporary) |
Composite resin is the choice for most clinics in Islamabad due to its cosmetic fit with enamel. However, these fillings degrade sooner compared to amalgam or gold fillings.
How to Know When You Need a Filling Replacement
You don’t need to have pain when you need a change. Have regular follow-up sessions with your dentist. Some common signs may include:
- Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Pain or discomfort while chewing
- Visible crack or chip in the filling
- Rough texture on the filling surface
- Filling has fallen out or feels loose
- Discoloration around the filling
If you notice any of these, don’t delay, go ahead and visit your dentist in Islamabad for a checkup.
Why Are Fillings Replaced?
Dental Fillings are not permanent. With time, they wear out or become soft due to:
1. Daily Chewing Pressure
For each meal or tooth grinding, you put pressure on the filling. This can ultimately lead to cracks or looseness.
2. Filling Decay
If you do not brush and floss properly, decay will develop below or beside the filling. Your dentist will need to remove the old filling and restore the new cavity in such a case.
3. Varying Filling Material
Materials like composite resin can shrink slightly or lose their bond with the tooth. Metal fillings also expand and contract with temperature changes, causing cracking.
4. Poor Dental Habits
Biting your nails, eating hard foods, smoking, or opening packages with your teeth can all shorten the life of your filling.
What Happens if You Don’t Replace a Compromised Filling?
Leaving a compromised filling unreplaced is a serious error:
- Bacterial decay travels further
- Infection reaches the nerve, and you experience pain
- You may need root canal treatment or extraction
- Chewing becomes less effective
- You may break the entire tooth
In Islamabad, timely dental care is economical and within reach, so do not wait until things get worse.
How Often Should You Visit a Dentist in Islamabad?
Although you do not feel you are in pain, it will be advisable that you visit a dentist every 6 months of the year to check up. An early dental checkup or X-ray can give an indication of the wearing out of the filling and save you the expensive procedures in the future. This is even more so in case you have received a filling in the past.
Can You Extend the Life of a Dental Filling?
Yes, you can. Here’s what you can do:
- Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
- Avoid biting hard objects like ice or pens
- Use a nightguard if you grind your teeth
- Avoid sticky or sweet foods
- Go to your dentist regularly
Good dental hygiene not only protects your fillings but also prevents future cavities.
Final Thoughts
If it’s been over 5 years since your filling, it’s time to have it checked, especially if it’s composite. But even new fillings can fail early due to habits or unseen decay. Don’t wait for pain to tell you.
In Islamabad and all over Pakistan, going to get dental care when you are supposed to will spare you pain, money, and extensive dental work. Whether you have a check-up or a replacement, make dental visits a part of your healthcare plan.
Book your dental appointment with our qualified dentist, Dr. Usama Hayat Ghauri, at Royal Cosmetic Surgery, and have healthy oral health.