How long does dental work last?
It’s a question that’s sure to be on your mind after getting dental work done. Whether you’ve
had a single filling or you’ve had extensive dental work done, you may wonder just how long
dental work lasts. There’s no one easy answer to this question, but we can give you an idea as
to what you may expect from the dental work that you have had done or will have done in the
future.
After all, your dental work is often an investment in your smile and in the future health of your
teeth and mouth.
The quality of care you received
There are no two ways about it, not all dental professionals are going to offer patients the same
quality of care. Without going too deep into it, it’s important to recognize that if your dental
professionals don’t provide you with the best care and treatment, your dental work simply may
not last as long as it should.
Fillings may fall out, crowns may fall off, dentures may not fit well, and implants may not heal
correctly. There are countless signs that your dental work was not done correctly, including
inflammation and infection after procedures.
Your next step should be to visit with dental professionals who have a good reputation and
come highly recommended. If you’ve found that your dental work is not lasting due to poor
care, it may be best to avoid going back to that same dental office and rather look for another
that can provide you with the care that you need.
The level of care you take
Getting the right type of quality dental is important. But it’s just as important that you
give your teeth and dental work quality care when you’re at home and between visits to your
dentist. It may sound silly, but are you brushing your teeth correctly? It’s important to brush,
floss, use mouthwash and keep up with your appointments to see your dentist and dental
hygienist.
Give some thought to your diet and your lifestyle. How well you keep up with your oral hygiene
will play a significant role in the length of time that your dental work will last. But factors like
the types of sports you play, or foods you eat can also impact your dental work. Eating crunchy,
chewy, and sugary foods can negatively impact your teeth and your dental work. Even those
who have full dentures need to take proper care of their gums and mouth in order to keep their
dentures in good shape.
Other oral health concerns
Do you grind your teeth while you’re sleeping or when you get stressed? High levels of
stress can sometimes lead to grinding both when you’re awake and asleep. While this may
seem like something relatively harmless, it can take a serious toll on your teeth and dental work
over time. Grinding your teeth puts repeated pressure on your teeth and any dental work,
which can result in cracks and other types of damage.
Your bite may also impact your dental work, particularly if your dental work has been
completed by a dental professional who didn’t take your bite into consideration. Another
related concern might be if your teeth have been damaged or are shifting as a result of damage
or tooth loss.
Type of dental materials used
Certain materials used for restorative dental procedures are more durable than others
are. Consider composite resin that is often used for fillings may not be as durable and long-
lasting as titanium.
While there are many variables that can impact the length of time you can expect your dental
work to last, there are some broad expectations about what should be expected from certain
types of dental work.
- Dental fillings. Fillings address issues with tooth decay and can help to reinforce a tooth that has damage to the tooth enamel. Fillings can be made from a composite resin colored to match the rest of the tooth or may be made from a metal alloy. Composite fillings can be expected, broadly speaking, to last for up to 5 years. This can be extended, however, with good oral hygiene and routine dental care. Most metal alloy fillings can be expected to last between 10 and 15 years, with an extended lifespan being possible with regular dental checkups.
- Dental bonding. Dental bonding is used to restore chipped, broken, and misshapen teeth. Bonding can be expected to last between 4 and 12 years, depending on where the bonded tooth is in the mouth and how much damage it was used to repair.
- Dental bridges. Bridges are used to bridge a gap left behind by missing teeth. Bridges are typically supported by healthy natural teeth, dental crowns, or dental implants. A bridge that is well cared for can last up to a decade.
- Dental crowns. Crowns are used to protect the remaining healthy tooth after the tooth has been badly decayed or damaged. Crowns are made from a range of materials, but each should last between 8 and 15 years, or longer with regular cleanings and checkups.
- Dentures. Whether full dentures or partial dentures, they play an important role in helping to restore both functionality and aesthetics for those who’ve lost their natural teeth. The actual lifespan of dentures can be much longer than the average use of 7 to 10 years. Your gums, jaw, and mouth can change over time, which can lead to your dentures now starting to fit poorly. If your dentures don’t fit, you may feel irritation on your gums, feel them slipping more, and start to experience other problems with your ability to speak or eat. Routine visits with your dental professional can help you to ensure you get the most out of your dentures.
- Dental implants. Fused to the bone in your jaw, dental implants are a permanent solution to replace the missing natural root of your tooth. These titanium posts are used to support a dental crown. With routine checkups and professional cleanings, a dental implant should not need to be replaced.
With the exception of the titanium dental implant, you should consider that most restorative dental work is going to be a recurrent expense. The key is to ensure you’re getting routine checkups where your dentist can examine the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Contact us today and make your appointment with Dr. Ace.