How often should composite fillings be replaced?

When they go bad: There is no specific time to replace them. On average they last about 10-15 years, but depending on your diet and oral hygiene, they could last only 5 years or over 20. Of course other factors are involved, including the size of the filling and the expertise of the doc, but diet usually is the main culprit.

If there's a problem: Composite fillings generally do not require replacement if nothing is wrong. They do however stain over time and can leak. Usually i will look over the yearly check up x-rays to make sure decay is not present underneath any fillings.

6-9 years smile zone: Composite fillings are a manmade substitute for natural tooth enamel. When done well, they can look great for 6-9 years. Made from acrylic they are slightly "porous" and are subject to absorbing unremovable stain. And their bonded edges eventually separate and stain there too! a cosmetic failure is just as valid reason to replace as a physical "break down" when in the esthetic smile zone!

When necessary: I have had patients break a composite filling or get decay around one in six months ; I have had extensive composite fillings that i place 10-20 years ago still look good ; be functionally fine. There is no specific lifespan. Diet, eating habits, size ; location of filling, home care ; expertise of the dentist all play a role. Newer composite materials last longer than ones used in early days.