How Long Do Caps on Teeth Last? The Truth About Crowns
October 24, 2025
How often do dental fillings need to be replaced? The answer might surprise you, as it’s not a simple number. Most fillings last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, but that range depends on several factors your dentist probably hasn’t fully explained. The material matters. Your habits matter. Even where the filling sits in your mouth makes a difference.
Your Aurora dentist can give you personalized estimates, but understanding the basics helps you plan for future dental care—and spot problems before they become painful emergencies.
Here’s what’s happening every time you chew: your fillings endure tremendous forces. We’re talking about pounds of pressure with every bite. Add in temperature changes from hot coffee and cold ice cream, and your fillings expand and contract constantly.
Over time, this daily wear and tear takes its toll:
Even the highest-quality fillings eventually show signs of wear. It’s not a failure of dentistry; it’s simple physics.
The key is catching problems early through regular dental visits. Your dentist can spot potential issues before they turn into painful emergencies or require more extensive treatment.
Not all fillings are created equal. The material your dentist chooses significantly impacts how long your restoration will last.
Composite resin fillings typically last 5-10 years. They’re made to match your natural tooth colour perfectly, making them ideal for front teeth or anywhere appearance matters.
The trade-off? They tend to wear faster than other materials, especially in high-stress areas like your molars. But modern composite materials have improved dramatically in recent years.
Best for: Front teeth, visible areas, patients who prioritize aesthetics
These silver-coloured fillings often last 10-15 years or even longer. They’re incredibly durable and can withstand serious chewing forces without breaking down.
The downside? They’re not winning any beauty contests. Plus, they can expand and contract differently from your natural teeth, sometimes leading to fractures over many years.
Best for: Back teeth, patients who prioritize longevity over appearance
Gold fillings can last 15-30 years, making them the marathon runners of dental restorations. Ceramic options offer excellent longevity with better aesthetics than gold.
The catch? Cost. These premium materials require significant investment and specialized placement techniques.
Best for: Patients seeking maximum durability or those with metal sensitivities
Not all dental fillings are created equal, their durability, appearance, and best uses vary depending on the material. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types and what to expect from each.
Lifespan: 5–10 years
Best for: Front teeth and visible areas
Composite fillings blend in with your natural teeth, making them a popular choice for cosmetic work. While not as long-lasting as other options, they offer excellent aesthetics for areas where appearance matters most.
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Best for: Back teeth and high-stress zones
Though not tooth-coloured, amalgam is strong and cost-effective. It performs well under pressure, making it ideal for molars and other hard-working areas of the mouth.
Lifespan: 15–30 years
Best for: Long-term durability
Gold fillings stand out in both colour and strength. They’re incredibly long-lasting and well-suited for patients who prioritise durability over aesthetics.
Lifespan: 10–20 years
Best for: Premium cosmetic results
Ceramic (often porcelain) fillings offer the best of both worlds — they’re strong and stain-resistant, with a natural look that’s hard to distinguish from real teeth.
What affects these timelines?
How often do dental fillings need to be replaced becomes a more urgent question when you start noticing these warning signs.
New sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure often signals filling problems. This discomfort might indicate gaps developing between your filling and tooth, or recurrent decay starting underneath.
Sharp pain when biting down specifically suggests your filling is damaged or loose. Don’t ignore these signals—they rarely resolve on their own.
Cracks, chips, or rough edges on your fillings are obvious red flags. Dark lines around filling edges often indicate seal failure or new decay starting.
If you can see the problem, it’s definitely time for professional evaluation. Damaged fillings lose their protective seal, allowing bacteria to sneak underneath.
New gaps or spaces around fillings indicate seal failure. If food suddenly starts getting trapped in areas that were previously sealed, your filling is likely compromised.
These gaps become impossible to clean effectively with regular brushing and flossing, setting the stage for more serious problems.
If specific teeth consistently taste bad or smell unpleasant, failing fillings might be the culprit. This often indicates bacteria accumulating in areas that should be sealed.
“Do composite fillings need replacing more often than silver ones?” The short answer is yes, typically. But recent advances in resin technology have significantly improved their durability.
The honest comparison:
But here’s what matters more: composite fillings excel where aesthetics matter most. They also require less tooth removal during placement, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
Your dentist in Aurora can help you weigh the trade-offs between longevity and appearance based on each tooth’s specific needs.
“Is it painful to replace a filling?” This worry keeps many patients from seeking timely treatment.
The reality? Filling replacement typically involves minimal discomfort when done properly. Your dentist will completely numb the area before starting any work. Most patients report little to no pain during or after the procedure.
The process typically involves:
Multiple fillings can often be replaced in a single visit, depending on their location and your comfort level.
Q: How do I know if my filling needs to be replaced?
A: Watch for sensitivity, visible damage, or food getting stuck where it didn’t before. But many failing fillings show no obvious symptoms—that’s why regular checkups matter so much.
Q: Do white fillings last as long as silver ones?
A: Generally, no. Composite fillings typically last 5-10 years versus 10-15 years for amalgam. But advances in materials continue to close this gap.
Q: Is it painful to replace a filling?
A: Not when done with proper anesthesia. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during or after the procedure.
Q: Can a filling fall out suddenly?
Yes, it happens. Usually due to material failure, new decay, or trauma. Regular dental visits usually catch problems before they lead to sudden failure.
Q: How many times can a tooth be filled?
Multiple times, though, each replacement removes more tooth structure. Eventually, heavily restored teeth may need crowns for adequate protection.
How often dental fillings need to be replaced depends on multiple factors, but waiting for obvious problems is not a smart strategy. Regular evaluation helps you stay ahead of issues rather than reacting to painful emergencies.
During your filling checkup, expect thorough examination using tools that spot problems early. Digital imaging helps assess both filling condition and surrounding tooth structure. Our dental team will discuss all options and help you choose appropriate materials for any needed replacements.
Proactive replacement based on professional recommendations saves money, preserves tooth structure, and prevents emergencies that interrupt your life.
Ready to evaluate your fillings before problems start? Contact Dana Dental to schedule your filling assessment and keep your restorations working properly for years to come.
