How Many Times Can a Filling Be Replaced?

Most people will develop a cavity at least once in their lifetime. The best way to fix a cavity is to remove the decay and replace it with a filling. Unfortunately, fillings don’t last forever and will need to be replaced when they wear out.

Life Expectancy of a Filling

The lifespan of a filling depends largely on the material it is made from:

• Gold – 15 to 30 years

• Amalgam – 10 to 15 years

• Porcelain and ceramic – 5 to 7 years

Keep in mind that these are averages, and sometimes fillings need to be replaced sooner because of poor dental hygiene, injury to the tooth, or infection.

Signs Your Filling Should Be Replaced

Here are some signs your filling needs to be replaced:

• The filling falls out – If your filling falls out, it should be replaced as soon as possible so that it doesn’t collect bacteria.

• You feel new temperature sensitivity in the tooth – This is an indication that a filling is leaking or has sustained a crack. When this happens, it should be replaced.

• The filling is worn out – Eventually a filling will become too worn out from use that it is no longer protecting your tooth. Your dentist will check your fillings during your routine exams, so if one is worn out, they will replace it.

How many times can a dentist replace a filling?

There is no predetermined number of times a dentist can replace a filling. Generally, a filling can no longer be replaced when the cavity becomes too large and there is more filling material than natural tooth. In this instance, you may need an inlay, onlay, or a crown to protect the tooth.

Do you have a filling that needs to be replaced? Come to Hale Family Dentistry; we will replace it for you!