How long does a glass ionomer filling last?

As medical technology in life becomes more and more advanced and people pay more and more attention to teeth, many people who are missing teeth due to external reasons or tooth decay will choose to have their teeth filled. Glass ion filling is a new type of dental filling technology that is very popular, but most people are afraid that it will not last long. Let’s take a look at how long glass ionomer fillings can last.

Glass ionomer is a compound made of a mixture of aluminum glass and polyacrylic acid. It is a material with good biocompatibility, strong adhesion and low irritation, and contains fluoride which has a certain anti-caries effect. Although the color is not as good as composite resin and the microporosity is higher, it has better stability in the oral environment. Because it can chelate with calcium in the hydroxyapatite of tooth tissue, good bonding can be achieved without the use of adhesive before filling, but its toughness and wear resistance are poor.

Glass ionomer can be used as both a foundation and a filling material. As a filling material, it is mostly used as a filling material for deciduous teeth or a non-permanent filling material for permanent teeth. Glass ionomer is generally not very hard and will generally wear out or fall off over time. The duration of use is closely related to the size and location of tooth decay. It is not recommended for adults to use it. Develop good brushing habits and prevention is better than cure.

Generally speaking, the lifespan of glass ionomer fillings is about 5 to 10 years. If the filling is done well, it can last forever. However, I usually recommend that patients check their filled teeth every 3-5 years to ensure early detection and treatment. There are many types of glass ionomer filling materials. Ordinary domestic glass ionomers can only be used for temporary sealing or semi-permanent filling. Some so-called fluoride-releasing glass ionomers can be used as base materials (such as 3M), and others can be used for permanent fillings, which are divided into front teeth and back teeth.