Are Dental Fillings Permanent?

Like everyone else, you want the best cosmetic dentistry in Dunwoody.

But even the best dental fillings won’t last forever.

Although fillings may be classified as temporary or permanent, even the permanent ones have a limited life expectancy.

Direct vs. Indirect

A direct restoration is a traditional filling that gets placed and cured right inside the tooth. Indirect restorations include crowns and overlays which are fabricated outside the mouth and then cemented in like a puzzle piece.

Direct fillings tend to be a little weaker and more short-lived than their indirect counterparts. They gradually break down under the variety of pressures in the mouth and last from 5 to 10 years.

Indirect restorations reveal their flaws over time when the surrounding natural teeth change color. Decay and changes to the gum tissue can also alter the restoration’s integrity and esthetics, respectively.

For the most part, a crown or inlay or onlay will last longer than regular fillings, averaging around 15 years.

So what is it that puts a time-limit on dental work?

Aging Factors

No matter what kind of restoration you have, how long it lasts depends on a variety of factors:

• Which tooth is restored
• Quality of material
• Skill of the dentist
• How well you clean your teeth
• How much abuse your restoration takes (i.e., a teeth clenching or grinding habit)

Right now, no restoration option is permanent. But if you discuss your cosmetic options with a Dunwoody dentist, you can decide on the best solution for your situation.

For all of your family’s current needs, consult Dunwoody Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. We’ll help your teeth stay strong for as long as they possibly can!