If you have ever had a cavity, you may have received a dental filling. Dental fillings fill open spots on the surface of a tooth and restore the tooth’s health and structural integrity. They can also be used to resolve chips, cracks, and breaks.

Fillings are easy to maintain and built to last for years. However, there may be times when fillings need to be replaced. How do fillings work? And how do you know when it’s time to replace a filling? Read on to learn more.

What Are Dental Fillings?

What exactly is a dental filling? Dentists use this term to refer to a range of materials that are used to fill holes, cracks, or chips in the teeth. Commonly, fillings are used to treat cavities, which are holes that form on the surface of the teeth due to excess sugar consumption or other oral health problems.

Fillings can be made from different materials to accommodate various needs or purposes. For example, composite fillings are made of composite resin and closely resemble the color of a natural tooth. These tooth-colored fillings can protect the tooth after a cavity or restore the appearance of a tooth after it chips or breaks.

Amalgam fillings are the traditional silver fillings that were used largely in the past. These metal fillings are most often used to fill cavities in the teeth further back into your mouth. While many people prefer the look of composite fillings, amalgam fillings tend to be more durable and last much longer.

When Should Dental Fillings Be Replaced?

A common question about dental fillings is, “How long do fillings last?” When you get a filling of any kind, the goal is for your filling to last as long as possible. Many fillings will never need to be replaced.

However, some fillings last longer than others. Depending on what type of filling you have and where it is located, it may have to be replaced at some point.

The most common reason for replacing a filling is damage. If your filling becomes cracked or breaks loose, you will need a new one to be put in its place.

Composite fillings must be replaced more often than amalgam fillings because they are more susceptible to damage. Simply chewing a hard candy can crack your composite filling. Serious falls can also cause you to chip a composite filling.

Amalgam fillings need to be replaced far less often than composite, but they do not always last forever. Around 10 to 20 years after being placed, your metal filling may lose stability within the tooth. When your filling begins to loosen and wiggle, you can choose to have it replaced.

Where to Get Dental Fillings Replaced in Colorado Springs

Do you need a dental filling replacement? At Pinnacle Dentistry, we’ll provide dental fillings or put in a replacement filling when needed. Our team works with patients throughout Colorado Springs and from surrounding cities. To find out more, schedule an appointment at our Colorado Springs office.