Getting a filling for a cavity is one of the most common dental procedures you can get. And once it’s done, you rarely ever think about it again. That is, at least, until a filling falls out.
If it happens to you, it’s natural to wonder if this counts as a dental emergency and what you should do about it. Luckily, a loose or lost filling is generally not cause for panic. But it also isn’t something to put off. Here’s how to handle it properly.
Why Fillings Fall Out
Most fillings have a pretty long shelf life. And while they don’t typically fail, because they are so common, it’s not unusual for one to come loose. Understanding why one failed can help you avoid a repeat and gives your dentist useful information when you come in for your appointment.
New Decay
Sometimes the filling itself is perfectly intact, but decay has developed underneath it, often where the filling meets the natural tooth. As this decay spreads, the tooth structure supporting the filling breaks down. Once there isn’t enough healthy tooth left to hold onto, the filling can come out with surprisingly little force, even from something as simple as chewing soft food.
Trauma
Biting down on something hard, like ice, a popcorn kernel, or a piece of hard candy, can dislodge a filling that was otherwise in good shape. Grinding your teeth at night, a habit many people don’t even realize they have, can have a similar effect over time by placing repeated stress on the filling and the tooth around it.
Normal Wear
Even if you haven’t experienced trauma or new decay, every time you chew, your fillings absorb pressure. Over years of biting and everyday use, the edges of the filling can weaken. Eventually, that edge separates from the healthy tooth structure around it, the filling loosens, and comes free, sometimes without you even feeling it happen until later on.
What to Do Right Away
If a filling falls out, a few simple steps can protect the tooth and keep you comfortable until you’re able to get in for an appointment.
- Rinse gently with warm water to clear away any debris left behind
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth as much as possible
- Steer clear of very hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks, since the exposed tooth may be more sensitive than usual
- Brush as usual, being careful around the exposed tooth, to keep the area clean.
A filling typically can’t be reused, so you may not need to save it; however, sometimes a crown or other restoration can, so if you are unsure which you have, best to save it in a clean container.
Over-the-counter dental cement from the pharmacy can offer very short-term protection in a pinch if a sharp edge is bothering you. It’s a reasonable stopgap, but it’s not a substitute for having the tooth properly examined and restored by your dentist.
Is it a Dental Emergency?
A missing filling on its own usually isn’t cause for a middle-of-the-night emergency call. But there are a few signs that mean you should make an appointment sooner rather than later: significant or worsening pain, visible swelling in your gum or cheek, or a sharp edge that’s cutting into your tongue or the inside of your cheek. Any of these are good reasons to call our office as soon as possible.
Even without those more urgent symptoms, the exposed area of the tooth is more vulnerable to bacteria, temperature sensitivity, and further structural damage the longer it goes unaddressed. It’s best to be seen within a few days rather than letting it linger for weeks. After losing a filling (or if you notice any dental restoration is loose), a visit to the dentist is needed, and you should not wait, as it doesn’t take long for decay to take hold.
Don’t Wait it Out
In many cases, the tooth can simply be cleaned out and refilled. If decay has spread or if a significant amount of the natural tooth has been compromised, a crown may be a better long-term solution.
If you’re dealing with a missing filling, give our office a call, and we’ll get you scheduled to take a look and get your tooth properly protected again.