What To Do If a Dental Filling Falls Out

Cavities and Fillings

People of all ages are susceptible to cavities. By their mid-30s, over 80% of Americans have been inflicted with at least one. These holes or fractures in your teeth’s enamel (the hard outer layer of the tooth) are caused by decay or distress.

Once discovered, a dentist will drill out any corrosion and plug the gap with a dental filling made of silver amalgam, composite resin, glass ionomer, or gold.

Depending on the size, the material, how you care for your mouth, and everyday wear and tear, eventually, they need to be replaced. Sometimes, though, they fall out. You can visit our website to find out more at your convenience. In the meanwhile, let us cover some of the easiest steps you can take in case of a loose tooth filling.

What Causes It?

Many things can contribute to dental fillings becoming chipped, loosened, or broken:

• Continued or developing decay around the filling.
• Chewing aggressively or biting into rigid or hard foods.
• Bruxism (grinding or gnashing your teeth).
• Injury to the tooth or root.

If you are experiencing any of these sensations, it might be a sign of a lost filling:

• Feeling the remaining void in your tooth.
• Tooth sensitivity, specifically to heat or cold temperatures and liquids.
• Food buildup in the resulting orifice.
• Crunching down on a hard fragment.

What to Do?

So, what to do if a filling falls out? If you believe or have confirmed that your cavity filling fell out, do not panic! First, contact your dentist as soon as possible. Most offices have times set aside for off-hour emergencies.

If you cannot be seen quickly, your dental professional should suggest treatment if you can afford to wait or recommend an alternative practitioner. There are several precautions you can take to help ease any discomfort and protect your teeth until your appointment.

• If possible, keep the filling intact, so the dentist can determine whether it is reusable.
• Gargle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water to keep the area clean and free of food debris.
• Brush the area very gently.
• Eating can be challenging until you make it to the dentist. Chew carefully and avoid the problem area. Steer clear of tough or sticky foods that can get stuck in any openings.
•  Apply a temporary barrier or shield by using a dental wax or interim filling to protect the exposed tooth.
• If your filling is loose but hasn’t fallen out yet, be mindful of hazardous swallowing and choking risks.

How Much Does It Hurt?

Let the dentist know if you’re in any pain. Intense discomfort could be an indication of an acute situation that needs immediate attention. Do attempt to alleviate any tenderness until you are seen by a professional.

Apply a cold compress or an ice pack to the face for 15 minutes at a time. Take an over-the-counter medication or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), like ibuprofen, to reduce aches and swelling. You can use a topical agent or clove oil to temporarily numb the tooth and gums.

Will There Be Complications If I Do Not Replace a Tooth Filling?

If a missing filling is not attended to, it could cause additional injury to the unprotected tooth as it is vulnerable to further decay or damage to the tooth. This progresses slowly, but neglect might require more extensive repair work, such as a crown, root canal, or extraction.

Fissures cause damage to the enamel and dentin that protect the pulp of the tooth, the jelly-like center that houses blood vessels, nerves, connective tissue, and specialized cells. If not properly tended, an infection can rise and, in extreme cases, spread to the rest of the body. So, the sooner you can get the missing filling replaced, the better.

What to Expect at Your Dental Appointment

At the office, a dental professional will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums to assess the condition of your mouth. It might call for an X-ray too, which can reveal the extent of the damage to determine the best course of action.

You will most likely receive a new filling to replace the one that fell out. Also, you may need advanced repairs like a root canal, crown, a fixed or removable bridge, or a dental implant. You may also require tooth extraction. That is, if the space is irreparable and the damage is too severe, they might opt to remove the tooth completely.

How to Protect Fillings

Prevent a filling from coming loose and falling out before expected with outstanding hygiene practices and by committing to regular dental checkups. The dentist can uncover potential problems before you even realize there is an issue. This is also an opportunity to ask questions and learn proper oral health procedures to help control bacterial growth, plaque, and tooth decay.

Here are more tips on keeping your fillings in place and your smile in top shape, so you don’t have to google “filling fell out temporary fix!” any time soon:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and soft bristles at least twice a day.
• Floss your teeth daily, particularly after meaty meals that leave food between the teeth.
• Remember to replace your toothbrush regularly, about every three to four months.
• Brush your tongue to get rid of harmful bacteria that can cause maladies in the mouth.
• Wear a mouth guard or splint if grinding your teeth is a habit, especially in your sleep.
• Avoid biting into hard objects, such as ice, nutshells, hard candy, or toasted bagels.
• Do not clench your teeth.
• Cut unnecessary snacking, sweets, starches, and sugary foods from your diet. They are sticky and can act as an adhesive, dislodging your fillings. They also increase the risk of tooth decay and caries.
• Never use your teeth as a tool, for example, to open bottles.
• Visit your dental office for a thorough cleaning and checkups every six months. He or she can determine if it’s time for a restoration. They will be able to recognize any potential or early signs of deterioration before any serious problems develop.