To maintain the health of your dental fillings, it is important to prioritise good oral hygiene practices. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist on a regular basis for check-ups and professional cleanings. This allows your dentist to monitor the condition of your fillings and detect any issues early on.
• Brushing and Flossing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from around the fillings. Proper brushing and flossing help prevent decay and maintain the integrity of the fillings.
• Use Mouthwash: Incorporate an antimicrobial mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine to help reduce bacteria in the mouth and maintain oral health.
• Avoid Excessive Force: Avoid habits such as teeth grinding or clenching, biting on hard objects, or using your teeth as tools. These actions can put excessive force on the fillings and lead to damage or dislodgement.
• Be Mindful of Food Choices: Limit your consumption of sticky or hard foods that can potentially damage the fillings. Also, try to minimise your intake of sugary foods and beverages to prevent tooth decay.
• Address Concerns Promptly: If you notice any changes in your fillings, such as cracks, sensitivity, or discomfort, contact your dentist as soon as possible. Timely intervention can prevent further complications and ensure proper treatment.

Remember, maintaining a healthy mouth overall is crucial for the longevity of your dental fillings. Follow your dentist’s advice, adopt good oral hygiene practices, and seek professional care when needed to keep your fillings in optimal condition.

The lifespan of dental fillings can vary depending on several factors. One crucial factor is your oral health and dental hygiene practices. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, can help prolong the lifespan of dental fillings and prevent new cavities from forming.

Another significant factor is the type of material used for the filling. Here are some general
estimates for the lifespan of different dental filling materials:

• Silver amalgam fillings: These fillings typically last between 10 to 15 years.
• Composite resin fillings: They can last up to 5 to 10 years.
• Gold fillings: Gold fillings have the potential to last for more than 25 years.
• Porcelain or ceramic indirect fillings: These can have an extended lifespan of up to 30 years.

It’s important to note that these estimates are general guidelines and individual experiences may vary. Regular dental check-ups and proper oral care are essential for maintaining the longevity of dental fillings. If you experience any issues with your fillings, such as cracks or discomfort, it’s recommended to consult your dentist for appropriate evaluation and treatment.

Regular dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining good oral health and reducing the risk of tooth decay. Your dentist will be able to identify any potential cavities at an early stage and provide appropriate treatment options. Some signs that may indicate the presence of a cavity include:

• Toothache
• Heightened sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages
• Increased sensitivity to sugary foods and drinks
• Visible holes or pits on the surface of a tooth
• Tooth discoloration or stains

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your dentist and schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible. Early intervention can help prevent the cavity from worsening and potentially requiring dental fillings or other more invasive treatments.

When there is severe tooth pain or prolonged tooth sensitivity, even after receiving dental fillings, or when there is extensive tooth decay that has caused inflammation of the tooth pulp, a root canal treatment may be necessary to address these issues. It is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist if you are experiencing severe tooth pain or sensitivity. Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination and recommend the appropriate treatment option based on your specific dental condition.

A root canal treatment is necessary when the dental pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth, becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, trauma, or other factors. The infection or inflammation can cause severe tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, and even abscess formation. In such cases, a root canal treatment is required to remove the infected pulp and save the tooth. 

On the other hand, a dental filling is sufficient when the tooth decay or damage is limited to the outer layers of the tooth, primarily affecting the enamel and dentin. If the decay is caught early and has not reached the pulp or caused significant damage to the tooth structure, a dental filling can effectively restore the tooth by filling the cavity and preventing further decay. 

The decision between root canal treatment and dental filling depends on the extent of tooth decay or damage. Your dentist will evaluate the condition of your tooth using diagnostic tests and clinical examination to determine the appropriate treatment. It is important to consult with your dentist, as they will consider various factors such as the severity of decay, symptoms, X-ray findings, and overall tooth health to make an informed decision on whether a root canal treatment or dental filling is necessary.

The majority of dental fillings heal relatively quickly, often within the same day of the treatment. It is common for patients to experience heightened sensitivity in the treated tooth once the anaesthesia wears off, but this sensitivity typically diminishes within 24 hours.