Do old fillings and crowns need to be replaced?

Not always. Old fillings and crowns don't expire on a set schedule, and many last much longer than expected without causing problems. What matters isn't how old they are — it's whether they're still protecting the tooth underneath.

What you'll learn in this article:

• Age alone doesn't determine when a restoration needs replacing — the condition of the filling or crown and the tooth beneath it matters more.

• Fillings typically last 5 to 15 years, depending on the material; crowns generally last 5 to 15 years with proper care.

• Many old restorations can stay in place for decades, but certain warning signs suggest it's time for an evaluation.

• Most early problems are caught through routine exams before they cause discomfort, which is why regular check-ups matter more than most people realize.

If you have old fillings or crowns and aren't sure of their condition, schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider for a personalized evaluation.

How long do fillings and crowns last?

Most fillings and crowns last 5 to 15 years, though many last much longer with good oral hygiene and regular dental care.

The type of material makes a big difference. Amalgam (silver) fillings are usually the most durable, often lasting 10 to 15 years or longer.¹ Composite (tooth-colored) fillings typically last 5 to 10 years.¹

Dental crowns have a similar lifespan. According to the Cleveland Clinic, most crowns last 5 to 15 years, with many lasting longer depending on the material and how well you care for them.²

These timeframes are general guidelines, not expiration dates. A 20-year-old filling that's intact and tightly sealed may not need any treatment. But a 6-year-old composite filling with a crack or new decay around the edge may need to be replaced. The condition of the restoration (not how long you've had it) is what matters most.

Signs that a filling or crown may need replacing

Some warning signs are easy to notice. Others are only visible through an X-ray during a routine visit.

What does new sensitivity or discomfort when biting mean?

New or worsening sensitivity when chewing, or when drinking something hot or cold, is one of the most common signals that a restoration has loosened, cracked or allowed decay to reach the tooth beneath it. Sensitivity that wasn't there before (or that has gradually gotten worse) is worth bringing up with your dental provider at your next visit.

Can I tell if my filling or crown is damaged?

Sometimes. You may feel a rough or uneven edge with your tongue or notice a visible chip. But many cracks are too small to see without a dental exam or X-rays. Dark lines or shadowy areas around the edge of an old filling can be a sign that the seal between the filling and the tooth is breaking down, allowing decay to develop beneath the restoration.¹

What about old silver (amalgam) fillings?

Patients with silver amalgam fillings often wonder whether they need to be removed simply because they're old or because they contain mercury. In most cases, the answer is no.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that people with amalgam fillings that are intact and aren't causing problems generally don't need to have them removed.³ Removing a sound amalgam filling can actually cause unnecessary loss of healthy tooth structure.

If an amalgam filling is cracked, loose or has new decay forming around it, replacement makes sense — not because it's silver, but because the restoration is no longer protecting the tooth the way it should.

What happens when a failing restoration is left untreated?

A filling or crown that no longer seals the tooth properly lets bacteria get underneath. Over time, this can lead to decay. If the decay reaches the nerve, you may need a root canal. In severe cases, the tooth may not be able to be saved.

A simple filling or crown replacement can become a much more involved procedure if you wait too long. Finding the problem during a routine dental exam usually makes treatment simpler.

How your dental provider evaluates your restorations

At every routine check-up, your dental provider examines each filling and crown: checking the edges, looking for signs of wear or cracking and probing any areas of sensitivity. Dental X-rays go further, revealing decay beneath a restoration that isn't visible to the eye. Most problems with old fillings and crowns are discovered this way — not because a patient arrived with severe discomfort, but because a routine exam caught something early. The interval that matters most isn't the age of the filling. It's how consistently you're being evaluated.

If you're unsure when your restorations were last reviewed, your dental provider can take a closer look and give you a clear picture of where things stand.

Do old fillings and crowns need to be replaced? FAQs

If you still have questions about old fillings or crowns, these answers cover some of the concerns patients ask most often.

Can a filling or crown be repaired instead of replaced?

Sometimes. If the damage is limited, such as a small chip on a crown or minor wear on a filling, your dental provider may be able to repair or recement rather than replace the restoration entirely. Whether repair is appropriate depends on how much of the original structure remains and whether the underlying tooth is healthy. Your dental provider will explain your options after examining the restoration.

How do I know if my crown is loose?

A crown that has started to loosen may feel slightly different when you bite down, or you may notice it shifting when you press on it with your tongue. In some cases, there are no obvious signs until the crown comes off entirely.

If something feels even slightly off, let your dental provider know. A loose crown caught early can often be recemented rather than replaced.

How can I help my fillings and crowns last longer?

Brush twice a day and floss daily to keep bacteria from accumulating around the edges of restorations. Avoid biting hard objects like ice, popcorn kernels or pen caps, which can crack both fillings and crowns. If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dental provider whether a nightguard would help protect your existing restorations.

Sources

¹National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine — "Longevity of dental amalgam in comparison to composite materials" https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3011298/

²Cleveland Clinic — "Dental Crowns: Types, Procedure & Care" https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10923-dental-crowns

³U.S. Food and Drug Administration — "Information for Patients About Dental Amalgam Fillings" https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-amalgam-fillings/information-patients-about-dental-amalgam-fillings