Your teeth are meant to last for a lifetime, but 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. If you’ve lost a tooth or two, your self-esteem was likely lost along with them, but that’s not to only concern. Every tooth is invaluable to your oral and general health. Thankfully, you can enjoy a complete smile again with a dental bridge and crowns. Your new smile can last for over a decade with the right care. You can ensure your investment thrives by preventing the most common causes of dental bridge failure.

The biggest threat to your smile is tooth decay. Although it’s preventable, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 92% of adults have had a cavity in a permanent tooth. Furthermore, 1 in 4 adults has untreated cavities. Thankfully, decay doesn’t have to lead to the loss of a tooth. Your dentist can save your smile with a dental filling. Whether amalgam or composite, they are affordable and effective, but how long do dental fillings last? The answer depends on how well you care for them. Here’s how you can ensure your filling lasts for decades.





