Daily Care
How long does a filling last?
23 July 2026 · The Dentist, Al Qusais, Dubai
The short answer
Most composite (tooth coloured) fillings last 5 to 10 years, and older amalgam fillings can last 10 to 15 years or longer. The real limit isn't usually the material wearing out on its own, it's new decay starting at the edge of the filling, or the filling cracking under heavy bite force. A filling that's chipped, feels sharp, or has a dark line creeping around it needs a look, even if it's within the expected lifespan.
It depends on what the filling is made of
Amalgam, the silver coloured metal fillings, are the toughest. They can easily last 10 to 15 years and sometimes go 20 or more without any problem, though most people don't want new ones because of how they look.
Composite resin, the white fillings used almost everywhere now for front and back teeth, typically lasts 5 to 10 years. They bond directly to the tooth and look natural, but the resin does wear slightly with chewing and can pick up stains from tea, coffee or red wine over time.
Glass ionomer fillings, often used for small fillings between teeth or in baby teeth, wear out faster, usually within 3 to 5 years. They release fluoride which helps protect the tooth, but they're softer and less suited to biting surfaces that take a lot of force.
What actually shortens a filling's life
It's rarely the filling material failing on its own. Most fillings come to the end of their life because new decay starts at the junction between the filling and the natural tooth. That seam is where bacteria find a foothold if brushing and flossing aren't reaching it properly, and it's invisible until the decay is already underneath.
Grinding your teeth at night puts a huge amount of extra force through fillings, especially larger ones on back teeth. If you wake up with a sore jaw or your dentist has mentioned flattened tooth edges, that's a clue your fillings are under more stress than average and might need checking more often.
The size of the original filling matters too. A small filling on one surface of a tooth has plenty of healthy tooth structure supporting it and tends to last well. A large filling covering several surfaces has less tooth left to hold it, and the tooth itself is more prone to cracking around it over the years.
Signs a filling needs attention, and what to do next
Watch for a sharp edge you can feel with your tongue, food constantly getting stuck in the same spot, a dark line appearing around the filling, or sensitivity to cold and sweet that's new or getting worse. Any of these can mean the seal has broken down, even if the filling isn't visibly damaged. A cracked or lost filling is uncomfortable but not usually an emergency, though it should be looked at within a week or two before decay spreads underneath.
You can't judge a filling by age alone. A 12 year old filling might be perfectly sound, while a 3 year old one might already be leaking at the edge. The only way to know is an X-ray and a proper look, since decay under a filling doesn't always cause pain until it's fairly advanced.
If it's been a while since your fillings were checked, or something feels different when you bite down, book in for an assessment. The Dentist in Al Qusais offers a free first checkup for new patients, which includes a look at any existing fillings and an honest opinion on whether they're holding up or worth replacing. You can call or WhatsApp 056 349 8888 to arrange a time.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are in Dubai, the free first checkup at our Al Qusais clinic is the fastest way to get an answer about your own teeth.