What patients need to know about the lifespan and maintenance of their restorations.

 

Ensuring the longevity of dental restorations requires not only a clinician's expertise but also active patient education. Restorations are designed to last, but proper care is also essential for longevity. The tips in this blog will help dentists and dental care professionals educate patients on things they can do at home to maximize how long their dental restorations last.

Dr. Renato Miotto Palo, a dentist and clinical researcher at Ultradent Products, Inc., emphasizes, “The longevity portion of a restoration that is within the clinician’s control is related to two main points: the quality of composites and bonding agents, and the quality of photopolymerization.” He adds, “Today, we know how important the correct polymerization of composites and bonding agents is for the longevity of restorations.”

 

While investing in quality materials like Ultradent’s Transcend™ universal composite and the VALO™ X curing light can improve a restoration’s lifespan, other factors also determine restoration longevity.

“Composite resin is currently the most used dental material in developed countries. It has been in use for more than 60 years, and many projects have been accomplished on the clinical longevity of composite […] The range for longevity is only 6–14 years depending primarily on the size of the restoration,” wrote Dr. Gordon Christensen in an article for Dental Economics magazine.1

In that same article, Dr. Christensen states that the primary factor determining longevity is size, with larger restorations lasting a shorter amount of time.1 This assumes typical factors like practitioner competency, materials used, and the patient's hygiene are all elements that affect restoration longevity.2

Here are 6 KEY TIPS dental professionals can share to help patients maximize the longevity of their restorations:

1. Emphasize Consistent Oral Hygiene Practices

Educate patients on the importance of daily brushing and flossing to prevent plaque buildup around restorations, which can lead to secondary caries and compromise the restoration’s integrity. Reinforce proper brushing techniques and using a fluoride toothpaste to maintain both natural teeth and restorations.

Dr. Brett Richins, a dentist and clinical advisor at Ultradent says, “Most people are sick of hearing their dentist and hygienist discuss brushing and flossing, but the most common reasons for a restoration needing to be replaced are recurrent decay or a broken restoration.”

 

2. Advocate for Regular Dental Checkups

Encourage patients to attend regular cleanings and exams for early detection of issues like marginal leakage or wear, enabling timely interventions like minor repairs. Though there are many factors at play, research shows restorations that are upkept in terms of minor repairs show a lower likelihood of needing more aggressive treatment down the road than a restoration that’s been replaced.2 This underscores the importance of regular check-ups, which can help catch minor repairable issues and mitigate full replacement of a restoration when possible.

Dr. Richins adds, “If a patient has a high risk for caries, we will recommend more frequent cleanings to prolong the quality of their restorations and ensure they have healthy teeth.”

 

3. Discuss Dietary Considerations

“We always recommend a good diet and hygiene after the patient goes home with a new restoration,” says Dr. Richins, emphasizing the impact of diet on restoration durability. Breakage or decay, often linked to poor dietary choices, are common causes of restoration failure. Patients should limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages, as they erode restorative materials and natural teeth. Encourage a diet rich in nutrients like calcium and vitamin D for long-term oral health.

 

4. Address Parafunctional Habits

Habits like bruxism exert excessive force on restorations, causing fractures or failures. Dr. Richins advises, “For patients who clench or grind their teeth, we will have them in a night guard or retainer to prevent further wear or damage to the restorations.” One study showed that 8.6% of people grind their teeth in their sleep regularly, while 13.7% of the general population grind their teeth in their sleep on occasion.3 For those who grind their teeth, a nightguard could help protect their restorations from damage due to bruxism.

 

5. Educate on the Importance of Restoration Maintenance

Provide patients with specific care instructions tailored to their restoration type, whether a crown, bridge, or composite filling. Discuss expected lifespans and signs of problems, and encourage patients to seek timely care to address issues.

 

6. Empowering Patients for Lasting Restorations

By integrating these strategies into patient interactions, dental professionals can enhance the longevity of restorations and promote proactive oral health maintenance. Educating patients ensures they understand that while restorations are designed to be durable, proper care is key to maximizing their investment.

 

References

  1. Christensen GJ. How long do dental restorations last? Dental Economics. Published July 19, 2022. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://www.dentaleconomics.com/sciencetech/article/14285541/how-long-do-dental-restorations-last
  2. Gordan VV, Riley JL 3rd, Rindal DB, et al. Repair or replacement of restorations: A prospective cohort study by dentists in The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. J Am Dent Assoc. 2015;146(12):895-903. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2015.05.017
  3. Khoury S, Carra MC, Huynh N, Montplaisir J, et al. Sleep bruxism-tooth grinding prevalence, characteristics and familial aggregation: A large cross-sectional survey and polysomnographic validation. Sleep. 2016; 39(11):2049-2056. doi:10.5665/sleep.6242