How long do posterior composite fillings typically last?

Over 13 years on average in this study! Only 16% failed , but watch out for molars, multiple surfaces, and prior treatments. 

Have you ever wondered how long your posterior composite restorations last? In the largest US study to date, Dr. Thankam Thyvalikakath and colleagues analyzed over 700,000 posterior composite restoration placed in 200,000 patients across 99 Network dental practices. The findings from this Electronic Dental Records (EDR) analysis have been recently published in the Journal of Dentistry.  

Key questions: 

• How long do posterior composite fillings typically last? 
• Which factors influence their lifespan? 
• Is there a difference in durability based on patient characteristics, tooth location, or practice location? 

Methods: 

• Electronic Dental Records (EDR) data from 99 dental practices across the US, members of the National Dental PBRN. 
• Analyzed over 700,000 posterior composite restorations placed in 200,000 patients. 

Survival: 

• Posterior composite fillings last over 13 years on average! (median survival time) 
• Only 16% of fillings fail over time, most within the first 5 years. 

Risk factors: 

• More surfaces filled = shorter lifespan (3+ surfaces = shortest) 
• Fillings on molars and previously treated teeth are more likely to fail. 
• Endodontic treatment before a filling significantly reduces its lifespan. 

Patient factors: 

• Older patients (65+) have the shortest filling lifespan. 
• Pediatric patients and those aged 45-64 come next. 
• Insurance and sex don’t affect filling lifespan. 

Study strengths: 

• Largest US study on real-world dental practice data (700,000+ fillings). 
• Includes patients with and without insurance, across diverse regions.