In my last two articles, I addressed the length of time that White (Composite or Tooth-Colored) fillings last and the length of time that Silver (Amalgam) fillings last.
In this article, I simply wish to summarize the results and show a graph comparing the length of time that you can expect your fillings to last.
Amalgam (Silver) Fillings Last Longest
Amalgam fillings tend to last around 12 years, while a composite filling only lasts about 6 years.
Here is a graph that shows the percentage of remaining fillings after a certain amount of years. It has been constructed using the data from Chadwick B, Dummer P, Dunstan F , et al. The Longevity of Dental Restorations.
Does This Mean Amalgam Fillings Are Better?
No. Amalgam fillings are less costly and generally last longer, but they aren’t very aesthetic. Most people don’t want everyone to see a big chunk of silver on their teeth when they smile. As a general rule, composite fillings are usually best for the front teeth that most people will see. For teeth in the back, the stronger, long-lasting amalgam fillings are usually recommended.
Almalgam are good I’ve had them on my back teeth for over 15 years now
Guys I’m bout to get fillins will it hurt plz reply
quick question.. i got my fillings done about two days ago and on the 1st day a little piece of filling i felt on my tounge and i didn’t really think anything of it so i checked in the mirror and i can’t really tell if it came off in a tight corner or what on my two molers but if i don’t hurt or anything or that sort should i be concerned? plus i will be going back in april… what do you think?
@lisandra
I generally tend to wait to see if it causes me any problems, if you don’t have any pain then you should be able to wait till April and get him/her to check it for you.
thanks so much for responding! I realize that if I drink cold and hot it hurts really bad for a while and sometimes it just hurts because of breathing I go for a cleaning comes april 9th I am going to tell my dentist whats going on maybe its my tooth paste but so far no toothpaste I found works for me at all just makes my teeth weaker :/
PreviDent 5000 sensitivity is what my dentist perscribed it actually works and doesn’t eat at my teeth and thanks for all the comments this is great!!!
Dear sir
White Resin fillings release resins into the mouth, ? how harmfull are these resins and are uncured resins carcinogenic??
thanks
my child cries and shakes and screams and stomps and throws a tantrum she is soooo scared acctially im the child
pribesha tell the dentist that ur scared he or she will do something like a laughing gas
Is it normal to feel sensetivity on the tooth I had fillings. It is day two with these fillings and I have not been able to chew on that side. I never had this problem before the fillings or on any other previous fillings. Would I need to go back and get the fillings removed then done again? Oh by the way, I had a white filling done to my upper back right tooth and an other one to my lower back right tooth. Both very sensitive.
Am mayor I have a fraction on my front teeth and the half of the teeth is broken but the dentist is advising me not to remove it that I can still fill it…please I want to know maybe the dentist give me the best answer with this…..please kindly get back to me asap..
Yes mr tom I want you to get faster to my question am mayor or you send to me your yahoo instant messenger I’d so that we can have a constant conversation..
lm abt to get filling does it hurt
Thank you for sharing this information. While traditional amalgam fillings are typically longer-lasting, it is no lie that composite fillings have come a long way. They are extremely durable these days and offer patients a more natural look. This is especially helpful for those who have fillings that are visible while smiling. While each dentist is bound to have their own opinion as to whether white or silver fillings are better, it is a good idea to weight the pros and cons of each before making a decision. Thanks again for sharing!