17/10/2025
Dr. Wojciech Gącienica-Ciułacz

When should the seal be replaced?

Replacing fillings in teeth is a topic that concerns many people, regardless of age. Seals, while durable, can wear out over time, which can lead to more serious health problems if not replaced early enough. In the article, we will discuss when to think about replacing the filling, what symptoms may indicate its damage, and what tips you should take into account to maintain dental health and avoid painful complications. Early recognition of the problem and appropriate response can save us from the need for more invasive dental procedures.

Do I need to replace seals?

Replacing seals is not necessary in every case, but there are situations when it is recommended or even necessary. Seals, although durable, can wear, crack or leak over time. If the filling begins to crumble, becomes leaky, which can allow bacteria to penetrate between the filling and the tooth, there is a risk of caries developing under the filling. In these cases, replacement of the filling is necessary to prevent further damage to the tooth.

Another reason to consider replacing a seal is secondary caries, which is a situation where caries develops around or under an existing seal. If the filling is damaged or improperly adheres to the tooth, this can lead to problems that can be difficult to detect without regular visits to the dentist.

Aesthetics can also be a reason to replace the seal, especially if we are dealing with amalgam fillings that can be seen in a smile. Modern composite fillings, which can be matched to the natural color of the tooth, are often preferred because of their more aesthetic appearance.

Not every filling needs to be replaced after a certain period of time, but regular dental check-ups are crucial to assess their condition and take appropriate action if needed. If the filling is in good condition, adheres well to the tooth and does not cause any problems, it can serve for many years without the need for replacement. However, in the event of any symptoms of problems, such as pain, hypersensitivity, visible damage or changes in color, it is worth consulting a dentist to assess whether replacement of the filling is necessary.

How long do fillings last?

The shelf life of dental fillings depends on several factors, such as the type of material from which they are made, the location of the filling in the oral cavity, and the patient's hygiene habits. Here are general estimated shelf lives for different types of fillings:

  • Amalgamate fillings (silver)
    These traditional metal fillings are very durable and can last from 10 to even 15 years, and in some cases even longer. They are wear-resistant, which makes them often used in molars, which are exposed to high chewing forces.
  • Composite fillings (white)
    Composite fillings, which are more aesthetic because they can be matched to the color of natural teeth, typically last 5 to 7 years. Their durability can be shorter than that of amalgam, especially in places exposed to heavy loads, such as molars.
  • Porcelain fillings (inlay, onlay)
    Fillings made of porcelain are very durable and can last from 10 to 15 years, and often even longer. However, they are more expensive and require more time to make, since they are created in the laboratory.
  • Gold fillings
    Gold fillings are some of the most durable, with an expected service life of 15 to 20 years or more. However, due to the cost and aesthetic appearance, they are used less often.

It is worth remembering that the durability of the filling is also influenced by such factors as:

  • Location of the filling: fillings placed on the molars, which are more exposed to high chewing forces, can wear out faster than those on the front teeth.
  • Oral hygiene: Regular dental care, including brushing, flossing, and professional cleaning, can help keep fillings in good condition for longer.
  • Eating habits: Avoiding hard foods, as well as limiting the consumption of sweets and carbonated drinks, which can cause erosion of enamel and fillings, can extend the shelf life of composite fillings.
  • Chewing forces and bruxism: teeth grinding or strong chewing forces can contribute to the earlier wear of composite fillings.
  • Material quality: different types of composites have different strength and abrasion resistance, which can affect their durability.

In practice, some composite fillings can last more than 7 years, especially if they are well made and the patient cares about oral hygiene. Regular visits to the dentist allow you to monitor the condition of the fillings and detect possible problems early.

When to go to the dentist?

Paying attention to certain symptoms can help you decide to see a dentist to see if the filling needs to be replaced. If you experience pain in the tooth with the filling or notice hypersensitivity to heat, cold, sweet or acidic foods, this may indicate a leak of the filling or developing caries under the filling. Darker discoloration around the filling can also be a sign of seal problems, such as leaks or decay.

If you notice cracks, crumbling of the filling or its decay, it is worth going to the dentist immediately, as such damage can lead to further damage to the tooth. In addition, if you have the impression that the seal is moving or you experience discomfort when biting, the seal may be misaligned or damaged. Sometimes a symptom of a seal leak can be an unpleasant taste or smell around the tooth with filling, which may suggest a developing infection.

Regular dental check-ups allow you to monitor the condition of the seals and detect problems early that may require filling replacement. Ignoring these signals can lead to more serious problems, such as the development of caries under the filling, which in extreme cases may require more invasive treatment, such as root canal treatment or tooth extraction.

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Is it worth replacing amalgam fillings with white ones?

The decision to replace amalgam fillings with white (composite) fillings depends on several factors, such as aesthetics, dental health status, and patient preferences. Here are a few things to consider when making a decision:

  • Advantages of replacing amalgam seals with white
    Composite fillings are more aesthetic because they can be matched to the color of natural teeth. Due to this, they are practically invisible, which is especially important for the front teeth.
    Composite seals do not contain metals, which can be relevant for people who have concerns about the presence of mercury in amalgam. Although scientific studies indicate that the amount of mercury released from amalgam seals is minimal and does not pose a health risk, some patients prefer to avoid metals in their fillings.
    The composites bind chemically to the tooth tissue, which can lead to better sealing and a lower risk of leakage that could lead to secondary caries.
  • Disadvantages of replacing amalgam seals with white
    Replacing amalgam fillings with composite ones can be expensive, especially if multiple teeth are involved. Composite seals are usually more expensive than amalgam fillings.
    Although modern composite fillings are becoming more durable, amalgam fillings are typically more durable, especially in molars that are exposed to high chewing forces.
    To remove an old amalgam filling, the dentist may be forced to remove an extra portion of healthy tooth tissue, which is less beneficial to the tooth structure. For some large amalgam fillings, removing them can weaken the tooth, which may require additional procedures such as crowns.
    In some cases, when removing large amalgam fillings, there is a risk of tooth cracking, which can lead to the need for more complex treatment.

Replacing amalgam fillings with white ones can be beneficial from the point of view of aesthetics and patient comfort, but this decision should be made individually, in consultation with the dentist. It is worth considering the state of dental health, costs and possible risks associated with the procedure. If the amalgam seals are in good condition and do not cause problems, their replacement may not be necessary. However, if the patient feels discomfort or has aesthetic reservations, the replacement may be justified.

Does replacing the seal hurt?

The replacement of the filling is usually not painful, since the procedure is performed using local anesthesia. Before starting the procedure, the dentist will give anesthetics that have effectively anesthetized the area around the tooth. Thanks to this, the patient does not feel pain either when removing the old filling, or in the process of preparing the tooth for a new filling. The process of removing the old seal consists in gently drilling it or removing it with special tools. During this time, the patient may feel some pressure or vibration, but he should not feel pain.

After removing the old filling, the dentist will clean the tooth to remove any residual decay or remnants of old material. Then, when the tooth is properly prepared, the dentist proceeds to install a new filling. Composite filling is applied in layers and cured using a special lamp. After the completion of the filling process, the tooth is properly smoothed and polished to ensure a comfortable fit.

In conclusion, with local anesthesia, the seal replacement procedure is painless. However, you may feel some discomfort from the pressure and vibration of the tools, but it is not painful. After the procedure, when the anesthesia stops working, there may be minor complaints such as tooth sensitivity, which usually subside within a few days.

How long does it take to replace a seal with a new one?

The time it takes to replace a filling with a new one depends on several factors, such as the size and location of the filling and the overall health of the tooth. Usually the entire procedure takes from 20 to 60 minutes. If the seal is small and easily accessible, the procedure may take less time, about 20-30 minutes. In contrast, for larger fillings that require more work, or if the tooth requires additional preparation, this time can increase to about an hour.

The process begins with the administration of local anesthesia, which takes a few minutes. The dentist then removes the old filling, which can take from a few to a dozen minutes, depending on its size and material. After the filling is removed, the dentist thoroughly cleans the tooth to remove any remains of caries or old filling material.

The next stage is the installation of a new seal, which can take from a few to a dozen minutes, especially if a composite seal is used, which is applied in layers and cured with a special lamp. Finally, the dentist adjusts the shape of the new filling to the patient's bite, which includes polishing and smoothing to ensure chewing comfort.

In general, replacing a seal with a new one is a relatively quick and routine procedure that rarely takes more than an hour.

When to replace the seal?

Replacing a seal is a procedure that may be necessary for a variety of reasons, from wear and tear, to problems related to secondary decay. It is crucial to regularly monitor the condition of your fillings during follow-up visits to the dentist, who is able to assess whether the seal is still performing its protective function or if it needs to be replaced. Early detection of problems and appropriate response can prevent more serious complications, such as the development of caries under the seal or the need for more invasive treatments. By taking care of regular oral hygiene and not ignoring disturbing symptoms, we can take care of the health of our teeth for many years to come, minimizing the risk of more serious dental problems. Remember that a healthy smile is an investment in our overall well-being and self-confidence.

The text has been corrected in terms of punctuation, spelling and stylistics, preserving the original content and structure.

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Dr. Wojciech Gącienica-Ciułacz

Dentist/Dental implantologist

Dr. Wojciech Gącienica-Ciułacz is a dentist for whom dentistry is a true vocation. In his practice, he stands out for his extraordinary ability to listen carefully to patients, thanks to which he is able to precisely adjust the treatment plan to the individual needs and expectations of each person. His approach is based on the deep conviction that effective dental therapy must take into account not only the medical aspect, but also the comfort and well-being of the patient.

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