Old fillings do not last forever, even the good ones. The question is when to replace and what to replace them with. At Dentist Pymble, we replace a lot of fillings for patients across the Ku-ring-gai region — usually because a filling has reached the end of its natural life, the tooth around it has developed new decay, or the patient wants a tooth-coloured upgrade. This page covers how to tell when a filling is failing, what we can do about it, and the options if you want to move away from silver for cosmetic reasons.
How long do dental fillings last?
It depends on the material, the size, where it sits in the mouth, and how well the tooth is cared for. Composite (tooth-coloured) fillings typically last 5-10 years. Amalgam (silver) fillings often last 10-15 years or longer. Gold and ceramic inlays and onlays can last 20+ years. None of these are guarantees — a small filling in a clean mouth can fail in three years, and a well-maintained large amalgam can outlast a composite by a decade. The honest answer is that a filling is on borrowed time once it passes the 10-year mark, and it is worth having it checked at your regular check-up appointment.
Signs a filling needs to be replaced
The most common signs are sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet that wasn’t there before; pain on biting that eases when you release the pressure; a dark line appearing around the edge of the filling; food packing in a spot that used to be easy to clean; a piece of the filling chipping off; or a sharp edge you can feel with your tongue. None of these are emergencies, but all of them are worth a look before the underlying problem gets bigger.
The sneakier presentations are the ones we pick up on routine x-rays: decay creeping in at the margin between the filling and the tooth (called recurrent caries), or a crack running under the filling that has not yet caused symptoms. This is why regular x-rays are part of the standard check-up — they let us see what is happening under and around old fillings long before you feel anything.
Why do old fillings fail?
The most common reason is recurrent decay at the margin — the seam where the filling meets the tooth. Over time, that seam can wear, chip, or stretch, and bacteria creep in and start new decay underneath the filling. Often there is no pain until the decay reaches the nerve.
Other common reasons are the filling itself wearing down (especially on the biting surface), a piece of the tooth around the filling fracturing off, an amalgam tattoo causing a grey discolouration in the gum next to the filling, or simply the patient wanting a cosmetic upgrade. Occasionally, the filling is fine but the tooth has developed a crack that runs through the filling — in that case, the filling needs to come out so we can see how deep the crack goes, and the tooth may need a crown to hold it together long-term.
How are failing fillings replaced?
The old filling is removed along with any decay underneath. We then assess the tooth: how much sound structure is left, whether the nerve is involved, and whether the remaining walls are strong enough to support a new direct filling. For small to moderate cavities, a new composite filling is the right answer. For larger cavities where a filling would be too small and a crown too aggressive, a ceramic inlay or onlay is often the ideal middle ground — lab-made, very strong, and bonded into place.
For teeth that have lost a lot of structure, or that have a crack running through them, a porcelain crown is usually the most predictable long-term option. The crown covers and protects the remaining tooth, holds everything together, and restores the proper shape and bite. We will always show you the tooth on the screen before we start, walk through the options, and provide a written quote with item numbers.
Tooth-coloured options for replacement fillings
If you have an old silver filling that has started to look tired, the good news is that most of them can be replaced with tooth-coloured composite in a single appointment. The trade-off is that composite is more technique-sensitive than amalgam, and the appointment is a few minutes longer. For larger restorations, a ceramic inlay or onlay gives you the cosmetic result of composite with the strength and longevity of a lab-made restoration.
If you live in Pymble, Gordon, Turramurra, Wahroonga or anywhere else in the Ku-ring-gai area and you have an old filling you are worried about, call our practice. We see neighbouring Gordon patients and other nearby residents, and we will always be straight with you about whether the filling actually needs replacing or whether it has another few years in it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my old filling needs replacing? The most common signs are sensitivity, pain on biting, food packing, a dark line around the edge, or a chipped piece of the filling. Often the first sign is on an x-ray at your regular check-up, which is one reason six-monthly reviews are worth keeping.
Is it painful to have a filling replaced? No. The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic, and the procedure is similar to having a filling placed in the first place. You may feel some pressure and vibration, and the tooth can be a little tender for a day or two afterwards.
How long does a replacement filling last? A well-placed composite filling typically lasts 5-10 years. A ceramic inlay or onlay can last 15-20 years or more. The lifespan depends on the size of the restoration, your bite, and your oral hygiene.
Can I replace my silver fillings just because I don’t like the look? Yes, in most cases. We can replace old silver fillings with tooth-coloured composite in a single appointment, with predictable cosmetic results. The decision is usually about the condition of the filling and the tooth, not just appearance.
How much does it cost to replace a filling in Pymble? The cost depends on the size of the restoration, the material, and whether any additional work (such as a crown) is needed. We will always provide a written quote and a health-fund check on the day.