Smile Brighter With Perth's Dental Fillings

The lifespan of dental fillings depends on many factors. Factors include the type of filling material, oral hygiene habits, and whether the person attends regular dental visits. To give you an idea, here is a list of how long tooth fillings last on average:

• Amalgam fillings.
  It is one of the old materials used for tooth fillings. It is silver in colour, highly resistant to wear and tear, and has a lifespan of ten to fifteen years.
  
  
• Composite resin fillings.
  It is a popular option for dental fillings. Composite resin is a tooth-coloured material that may last seven to ten years.
  
  
• Gold and porcelain fillings.
  These are durable filling materials that last about fifteen to twenty years (or longer).

The following are the standard steps of a dental filling procedure, and they may differ slightly from the process executed by your dentist.

• Desensitising the area.
  Your dentist will apply numbing agents to minimise discomfort. Dental sedation may also be administered for some patients.
  
  
• Placing a rubber dam.
  You can expect to have a rubber dam placed in your mouth to keep the area dry and clean from saliva. It may also help the oral health professional focus on the affected teeth.
  
  
• Taking out the decayed part.
  The oral health care professional will use specific dental instruments to scrape or take out your tooth’s decayed part.
  
  
• Filling in the tooth.
  Lastly, your dentist will put the dental fillings into the hole or cavity. They will smoothen and shape the material to make it look natural.

As a general rule of thumb, maintaining good dental hygiene is one way to take proper care of your teeth, particularly with fillings. Here is how you can keep them in good condition:

• Brush and floss your teeth.
  You should never skip brushing your teeth every day. Flossing, too, can scrape away food debris that gets stuck between your teeth.
  
  
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  This can help minimise the risk of damaging the fillings and your tooth enamel.
  
  
• Dental visits.
  Attend your dental appointments regularly so your dentist can check your tooth fillings.
  
  
• Watch your diet.
  Have a balanced diet and avoid consuming sugary and acidic foods and drinks frequently.
  
  
• Don’t use your teeth as a tool. We never encourage anyone to use their teeth as a tool to open things. Doing so can only result in cracks, breakage, and chipping of the teeth and fillings.

To know if you need a dental filling, see a dental professional to assess your oral health. But here are the common signs that may help you know what to look out for:

• Severe and persistent toothache.
• Visible cracks in your tooth.
• Discomfort in or around your tooth, especially when exposed to heat and cold temperatures.
• A jagged surface or sharp edges when you run your tongue on the suspected tooth.