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4 common dental procedures — and how long they last (it’s not forever)
What are they and how long do they last?
1. Cavity filling1
The process of removing decayed tooth material and filling the cavity with a composite, amalgam or other material.
On average, an amalgam filling lasts 10 to 15 years, composite fillings seven years, ceramic fillings 15 years and glass ionomer five years.
2. Veneer2
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of teeth. They are used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, chipped, misaligned or have gaps.
Porcelain veneers typically last up to 20 years. Composite veneers have a lifespan of five to seven years.
3. Root canal3,4
A root canal is a procedure to treat infection or damage within the tooth’s pulp. It involves removing the infected tissue, cleaning the root canals and sealing them.
A root canal lasts an average of 11 years.
4. Crown5
A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged, decayed, or cracked tooth to restore its shape, size, strength and appearance. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal or a combination.
A crown lasts anywhere from five to 15 years depending on how well you take care of it.
1. Cavity filling1
The process of removing decayed tooth material and filling the cavity with a composite, amalgam or other material.
On average, an amalgam filling lasts 10 to 15 years, composite fillings seven years, ceramic fillings 15 years and glass ionomer five years.
2. Veneer2
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of teeth. They are used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, chipped, misaligned or have gaps.
Porcelain veneers typically last up to 20 years. Composite veneers have a lifespan of five to seven years.
3. Root canal3,4
A root canal is a procedure to treat infection or damage within the tooth’s pulp. It involves removing the infected tissue, cleaning the root canals and sealing them.
A root canal lasts an average of 11 years.
4. Crown5
A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged, decayed, or cracked tooth to restore its shape, size, strength and appearance. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal or a combination.
A crown lasts anywhere from five to 15 years depending on how well you take care of it.
If you haven’t scheduled your next dental checkup, do so today. Talk with your dentist about how all your previous dental work is holding up. Even if you diligently take care of your oral health and teeth — and everything looks fine now — a lot of dental work can eventually wear out. Consider having dental insurance in place when you need it. To find a network provider, go to
Sources:
- “How Long Do Fillings Last?” GentleDental.com, accessed July 14, 2025
- “Dental Veneers,” WebMD.com, September 7, 2023
- “Root Canal,” ClevelandClinic.com, July 3, 2025
- “First U.S. Study Analyzing Tooth Survival After Root Canal in General Population,”NewsWise.com, May 17, 2022
- “Dental Crowns,” ClevelandClinic.com, April 14, 2023
Your procedures have expiration dates – your dental coverage shouldn’t
Even the best dental work needs eventual replacement, but dental insurance can help you protect your teeth now and in the future.