How Long Do Fillings Last and When Should You Replace Them?

Dental fillings can help repair teeth that have been damaged by decay. But if you think they're meant to last a lifetime, you're unfortunately wrong.

While dental fillings are strong and durable, they’re not meant to be permanent or last forever. In fact, dental fillings usually last anywhere from seven to 30 years, depending on the type.¹

If you start noticing pain or discomfort where you have a filling, it may be time to replace it.

How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?

The lifespan of a dental filling varies by the type of filling. The chart below shows the type of filling and its average lifespan:¹

Types of Dental Fillings

The process to replace a filling is more than just a matter of walking in and getting a new one. When you visit your dentist, you may be presented with a number of different types of fillings to choose from.

Here's a quick rundown of some common dental filling options.

1. Composite resin fillings

This tooth-colored resin is often made of a mix of quartz or glass.² It's appropriate for front or back teeth, and is most often used on small or midsize fillings.² Because of its natural appearance, it's the most popular type of filling.³

2. Amalgam (silver) fillings

Amalgam (silver) fillings are made from a mix of silver, copper, tin and mercury.² They're durable and easy to place, but may at times expand or contract with the temperature.⁴ They do contain traces of mercury, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Dental Association (ADA) report that research shows it doesn't pose a health risk.⁵

3. Gold fillings

Gold fillings are made of a mix of gold, copper and sometimes other metals.² They're very durable but more expensive, and they don't look natural.² Dental offices don't use them as much these days.¹

4. Ceramic (porcelain) fillings

Ceramic (porcelain) fillings are the same color as your teeth and tend to be more stain-resistant. They can last for years and are stronger than glass fillings.⁶

5. Glass ionomer fillings

Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride over time, which helps prevent future cavities.¹ But they can't be used on your molars because they don't have the required strength.¹

Signs You Need to Replace a Filling

Here are a few signs it might be time to replace your fillings:

Pain and discomfort

Pain may be the first sign that your filling needs replacing. If your tooth is extra sensitive to temperature or touch or you feel discomfort when chewing, you might need to get your filling replaced soon.¹

Injury

If you recently had a face or mouth injury, you'll want your dentist to check your filling to make sure it wasn't compromised in any way.¹

Age of filling

If your filling was put in more than 10 years ago, your dentist can check and see if it needs replacing, as it might be nearing the end of its lifespan.¹

Your dental filling is leaking

Your filling is leaking if the seal between your tooth and your filling breaks and bacteria, food or water can get in. Symptoms may include sensitivity to heat or cold, headaches or bad breath.⁷

You want a more modern type of filling

Some people with older gold or silver fillings might want them replaced so they can have more natural-looking fillings. However, your dentist will need to advise you on whether this is a good option. The ADA, for example, recommends not replacing fillings just for cosmetic preferences because your tooth might be weakened in the process.⁸

In some cases, you may need a crown instead of a new filling

In more severe cases, your dentist may recommend putting a crown over a tooth that has a filling. A crown may be recommended if your tooth's structure has weakened too much for a new filling to be sufficient.⁹

How Much Do Dental Fillings Cost?

The cost for dental fillings can vary depending on the type of filling, how many are needed, the location of the tooth being filled and your geographic location. Here's a look at the average costs* for five common types of dental fillings in the U.S.¹⁰

Average cost of dental fillings in the U.S.

Among the five most common types of filling, porcelain is the most expensive, followed by gold, composite, silver and then glass ionomer. Of course, where you live can make a big difference in price.

Does Insurance Cover Dental Fillings?

Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of fillings, although the exact percentage varies from plan to plan. For example, Delta Dental in Kansas covers 80% of basic procedures like fillings. But like most plans, there's an annual maximum for how much is covered, and you have to pay the rest after the maximum is reached.¹² In some cases, the type of filling you choose can impact whether it's covered by insurance. For example, composite fillings aren't always covered by dental insurance.³ This may be because amalgam fillings cost less, so composite fillings are viewed as cosmetic.¹³

Tips for Choosing a Dental Filling

A few factors may weigh into your ultimate decision about which type of filling replacement you want.

1. Location of dental filling

Some tooth filling materials may be better suited for different areas of your mouth. For example:

• Glass ionomer fillings can't be used on your molars because they aren't strong enough.¹
• Silver amalgam fillings are quite strong and often used for larger cavities.⁵

2. Appearance

Glass, porcelain and composite fillings have a more natural appearance. This may be an especially important factor if you're getting a filling on a more visible tooth.⁴

3. Durability

Some might prefer silver or gold fillings because they've been around longer and tend to be more durable.²

4. Special considerations

Other considerations sometimes play a role in your choice:

• Because amalgam fillings harden quickly, they're faster to put in place and may be more appropriate for children or patients with special needs.⁵
• The mercury in silver fillings has been deemed safe by the CDC and the ADA.⁵ However, some people may still prefer not to use them.⁴

5. Cost

If cost is your main motivator, you'll likely want a silver filling. This is the most affordable option compared to composite or gold.²

How the Process for Replacing Dental Fillings Works

Replacing your filling is a fairly simple process.

The area your dentist is working on will be numbed.¹⁴ Your dentist will then remove the old filling, clean your cavity and add a new filling.⁷ It's typically quick and painless.⁷

The type of filling might slightly affect how long the procedure takes:

• Composite fillings may take a little longer than metal because your tooth will need to remain dry while your cavity is filled.³
• Amalgam is the fastest because it hardens quickly.⁵

Recovery

There's little recovery needed after a filling. Your tooth will be sensitive for about 24 to 48 hours. You can take over-the-counter medicine like ibuprofen for pain if needed.¹⁵

You'll need to wait about two hours before you eat. And for the first 24 hours or so, you may want to chew on just one side of your mouth or avoid anything too hard or crunchy. Softer foods like mashed potatoes and eggs may be more comfortable for your teeth.¹⁵

How to Help Your Fillings Last Longer

Want to extend the life of your fillings? Practicing proper dental hygiene is the best way. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily and visiting your dentist regularly.¹

Other practices can also help, like avoiding sticky foods, tobacco and acidic drinks, and using an alcohol-free mouthwash.¹

The Path to a Healthy Smile

Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to help prevent cavities. Flossing, visiting your dentist regularly, brushing your teeth twice a day and eating a healthy diet can all reduce your chances of needing a filling in the first place.³

But if you need to replace your dental fillings for any reason, your dentist can recommend the best options based on the health of your teeth and gums, as well as your personal preferences. Even though choosing a filling replacement may feel daunting, don't put off the decision. Delaying treatment may cause you to need more expensive care down the road, like a root canal or a crown.¹⁴

Financing Dental Fillings With the CareCredit Credit Card

Whether you're replacing a dental filling or you're simply paying for a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.^** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or oral surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit. Use the CareCredit credit card, again and again, to pay for your health and wellness wants and needs, and download the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dental care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Stephanie Dwilson specializes in science journalism, breaking news and animal health. She's a business owner, attorney and writer.