How Long Do Fillings Last? Types, Factors & When to Replace

A dental filling is a small repair that restores a tooth damaged by decay or a chip. Your dentist removes the weakened part and seals the space with a durable material so the tooth can function and stay protected. Fillings are made to last, but they aren’t permanent. Their lifespan depends on what they’re made of, the size and position of the filling, your bite, and how well you care for your mouth. If you’ve ever wondered whether yours will last 7 years or 20, you’re asking the right question.

This guide explains how long different types of fillings typically last — from composite (white) and amalgam (silver) to ceramic and gold — and the real‑world factors that make the biggest difference. You’ll learn the signs a filling needs attention, when repair beats replacement, what happens during a swap, how to manage eating and sensitivity afterwards, safety notes on materials, UK costs and warranties, and what to consider if a filling isn’t enough.

Average lifespan by filling type

How long do fillings last depends mainly on the material and where the filling sits. In general, metal and ceramic options top the durability charts, while tooth‑coloured composites can still last many years when well placed and cared for. Treat the ranges below as typical, not guaranteed.

Filling type	Typical lifespan
Amalgam (silver)	Up to 20 years
Composite (white)	Around 12–15 years; some cases nearer 5–7 years
Ceramic/porcelain inlay or onlay	15–20 years
Gold inlay or onlay	15–20+ years
Glass ionomer	Around 5 years
Temporary filling	Weeks to up to 3 months

What affects how long fillings last

The longevity of a filling isn’t fixed; how long fillings last depends on the material, the tooth it sits in, and what you do every day. Beyond the headline lifespan ranges, these practical factors often decide whether a filling reaches the upper end or needs earlier attention.

• Material and size: Bigger restorations and less wear‑resistant materials tend to fail sooner.

• Tooth position and bite: Molars, heavy chewing, or bruxism place higher stresses.

• Placement quality: Good isolation, shaping and bonding reduce leakage and failure.

• Oral hygiene and decay risk: Plaque and sugars drive new decay at the margins.

• Diet and acids: Frequent acidic or sugary drinks erode enamel and weaken bonds.

• Habits and trauma: Hard foods or knocks can chip teeth and fillings.

• Regular check‑ups: Reviews allow bite adjustments and early repairs before problems grow.

White vs silver fillings: which lasts longer?

Short answer: amalgam usually lasts longer. In general, amalgam (silver) fillings commonly reach the upper end of longevity — often up to around 20 years — while well‑placed composite (white) fillings average roughly 12–15 years, with some lasting less (5–7) when large or under heavy chewing. Modern composites narrow the gap for small–medium cavities, especially in low‑load, visible areas, provided isolation and bonding are excellent. If you grind your teeth, need a big back‑tooth restoration, or prioritise durability over appearance, silver typically wins on lifespan.

Does tooth position make a difference?

Yes. Back teeth (molars and premolars) take the lion’s share of chewing forces, so large fillings here face more stress and tend to fail sooner—especially if you grind. Hard‑wearing options (amalgam, gold or ceramic onlays/inlays) are often preferred in these areas. Front teeth carry less load, making tooth‑coloured composites a strong, aesthetic choice for smaller cavities.

Signs your filling may need attention

Fillings work hard every day, and wear or new decay can creep in around them. Spotting warning signs early often means a simple fix instead of a bigger treatment. If you notice any of the following, book a dental check rather than waiting for the problem to worsen. Trust your instincts — changes that persist aren’t normal.

• Pain when biting down: May indicate a high spot or stress on the tooth.

• Hot/cold pain that lingers: Could suggest nerve irritation; get checked promptly.

• Throbbing toothache: Decay may have reached the pulp and needs treatment.

• Sensitivity lasting beyond a week after placement: Tell your dentist.

• Cracked or broken filling: Visible loss or a piece missing needs attention.

• Swelling, fever or chills: Urgent signs of possible infection.

• Food trapping in a tooth: A gap or damage could be present and needs review.

Repair or replace? How dentists decide

Your dentist weighs up the filling’s age, material, size, symptoms, bite forces, and what X‑rays show. If the tooth structure is strong and the margins are sound, simple measures often solve the issue. Pain on biting from a high spot can be smoothed; short‑lived sensitivity in the first week or two is usually monitored. But cracks, recurrent decay or deep pain change the plan.

• Keep and adjust: High bite or rough edges are reshaped and polished.

• Replace like‑for‑like: Worn, leaking or broken fillings with limited damage.

• Upgrade strength: Large back‑tooth cavities may suit an inlay/onlay or crown.

• Root canal first: Throbbing pain or lingering hot/cold suggests pulp involvement before restoration.

• Use a temporary: To protect the tooth short‑term, then place a permanent solution.

What to expect when replacing a filling

Most replacements are quick and feel much like having a new filling. Your dentist will numb the area so you’re comfortable, remove the old material and any decay, then restore the tooth. If the cavity is large, an inlay/onlay or crown may be advised, which can mean a temporary restoration and a second visit (or same‑day placement where CAD/CAM is available). Anxious? Ask about sedation options.

• Local anaesthetic: Numbs tooth, lips and tongue briefly.

• Old filling removed: Any decay is cleaned away.

• Tooth prepared: Shaped, isolated, dried for best seal.

• New material placed: Amalgam or composite; composite is light‑cured.

• Polish and bite check: Adjustments made so it feels normal.

Eating and sensitivity after a new filling

Technically, you can eat straight after a filling, but it’s safest to wait until numbness wears off to avoid biting your cheek or tongue. For the first day, chew slowly and favour the opposite side. Sensitivity to hot or cold is common for up to a week; over‑the‑counter pain relief can help. If pain lingers, throbs, or biting feels sharp, book a check‑up for adjustment.

How to make fillings last longer

Daily habits decide whether fillings reach their full lifespan. Protect margins from new decay, reduce heavy forces and keep your bite tuned. What you sip, how you brush and routine check‑ups all directly influence how long a filling lasts.

• Brush and clean between teeth: Twice daily with fluoride; replace brush heads every three months.

• Cut sugars and acids: Don’t sip sweet, acidic drinks between meals.

• See your dentist regularly: Check‑ups and hygiene catch issues early and fine‑tune your bite.

• Protect against grinding: Wear a night guard if you clench or grind.

Frequently asked questions

Got questions about how long fillings last and day‑to‑day care? Here are quick, dentist‑approved answers we’re asked most in Luton. If something feels off after treatment, book a review rather than waiting.

• Does getting a filling hurt? With local anaesthetic you shouldn’t feel pain; say if you do.

• Can I eat after a filling? Yes, but wait until numbness fades to avoid biting yourself; chew gently.

• How long do temporary fillings last? Typically weeks to up to three months—book your permanent restoration promptly.

• Are amalgam (silver) fillings safe? Generally yes; higher‑risk groups (pregnancy, breastfeeding, under‑6s, kidney/neurological disease, mercury allergy) should avoid when possible; don’t remove sound amalgam routinely.

• When is it too late for a filling? If decay reaches the pulp, you’ll likely need root canal rather than a filling.

When a filling isn’t enough: other treatment options

If a cavity is very large, the tooth is cracked, or pain suggests the nerve is involved, a standard filling may not protect the tooth long‑term. Your dentist will recommend a stronger or more comprehensive option to restore function and prevent further damage.

• Inlay or onlay: A lab‑made insert that fits into or builds up the tooth when damage is too big for a filling but not enough for a crown.

• Crown: A full‑coverage cap for heavily weakened teeth to restore strength and chewing.

• Root canal therapy (then a crown): Used when decay reaches the pulp; removes infection and seals the tooth before reinforcing it.

• Extraction with replacement: If a tooth can’t be saved, options include a dental implant, bridge or partial denture.

Safety notes on amalgam and other materials

Most modern filling materials are well tested and safe. Silver amalgam has a long clinical track record and is considered safe for most people, but dentists generally avoid placing new amalgam during pregnancy. Some people are advised to choose alternatives (for example composite or porcelain) whenever possible.

• Avoid new amalgam if you’re: pregnant or planning pregnancy, breastfeeding, a child under 6, have kidney problems, have neurological conditions (e.g., Alzheimer’s, MS, Parkinson’s), or have a known allergy/sensitivity to mercury or amalgam components.

• Don’t remove sound amalgam solely for safety reasons — removal can increase mercury vapour exposure and may do more harm than good.

• Mild post‑filling sensitivity is common and usually settles within 1–2 weeks; if pain is severe or lingers, see your dentist.

Costs and warranties in the UK

What you pay for a filling in the UK depends on whether you’re seen under the NHS or privately, the material used, the size/location of the cavity, and whether a lab-made inlay/onlay is needed. NHS dentistry uses nationally set banded charges that include fillings; private fees vary by material and complexity, with gold and ceramic typically costing more than direct composite.

• Warranties: Some dentists offer time‑limited guarantees (often 12–24 months) on new fillings, usually conditional on regular check‑ups and hygiene visits, and excluding trauma or new decay.

• Bruxism clauses: If you grind, a night guard may be recommended for cover.

• Finance: Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics offers 0% finance on eligible treatments—ask our team for details.

Final thoughts

Fillings are reliable workhorses, but their lifespan depends on the material, your bite, and day‑to‑day care. Knowing the typical ranges and the early warning signs puts you in control: small issues can be adjusted or repaired before they become big treatments. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait—timing makes all the difference.

Want tailored advice or a quick check on an older filling? Book with our friendly Luton team. We’ll assess your restoration, explain your options clearly, and help you choose what lasts. Flexible 0% finance is available on eligible treatments. Start here: Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics.