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A dental filling can sometimes loosen or fall out, especially after years of use or biting into something hard. While it may not always be painful, the exposed area can quickly become sensitive or prone to decay. Acting quickly helps protect your tooth and prevent further damage. Here’s what causes fillings to fall out, what to do if it happens, and how your dentist can restore your tooth.
Common Reasons Dental Fillings Fall Out
Even high-quality fillings can loosen over time. Understanding why it happens can help you protect your dental work longer.
Some of the most common reasons include:
- Normal wear and tear: Constant chewing and temperature changes gradually weaken the bond.
- Biting on hard foods: Crunching ice, nuts, or hard candy can crack or dislodge a filling.
- Tooth decay around the filling: If new decay forms underneath, it can cause the filling to loosen.
- Bruxism (teeth grinding): Clenching or grinding exerts excessive pressure on teeth.
- Improper bonding: If the area wasn’t completely dry during placement, the filling may not adhere properly.
Signs Your Dental Filling May Have Fallen Out
It is not always easy to tell when a filling has come loose, but a few signs can alert you to a problem. You may notice:
- A rough or sharp spot on the tooth
- Increased sensitivity to temperature or sweet foods
- Pain or pressure when chewing
- A visible hole or dark area where the filling was
If the tooth feels uneven or different when you run your tongue over it, schedule a dental visit to have it checked.
What to Do If a Dental Filling Falls Out
The goal is to protect the exposed tooth until you see your dentist. Here’s what to do:
- Remove the loose filling piece. Don’t try to reinsert it.
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to clean the area and prevent infection.
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth to prevent further damage.
- Use dental wax or temporary filling material (available at most pharmacies) to protect the tooth if it’s sensitive.
- Call your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Prompt care can prevent complications like infection or root damage.
How a Lost Filling Is Repaired
Your dentist will begin by examining the tooth and taking X-rays to determine why the filling came out and whether there is any underlying decay or damage. Depending on the condition of the tooth, treatment may include:
- Replacing the filling: If the tooth structure is still strong, a new filling can easily restore it.
- Placing a dental crown: When a large portion of the tooth is damaged or weakened, a dental crown provides more durable protection.
- Performing root canal therapy: If the nerve is exposed or infected, a root canal may be needed before restoring the tooth.
- Extraction: Sometimes the tooth cannot be saved and may need to be extracted. In this case, a dental implant or fixed bridge may be a good alternative to replace the tooth.
The goal is to rebuild the tooth’s strength, protect it from future problems, and restore a comfortable, natural bite.
When to Call the Dentist
If your dental filling has fallen out, it’s important not to wait. Call your dentist right away if you notice:
- Pain or sensitivity that worsens
- Swelling around the tooth or gums
- A visible hole or crack
- Food getting stuck in the area
Prompt treatment can save your tooth and prevent more serious dental issues.
Schedule an Appointment
A missing filling leaves your tooth unprotected and vulnerable to decay. Prompt care can restore your comfort and prevent further damage.
To schedule an appointment at our dental office in Buffalo Grove, IL, call (847) 215-1511 or visit us at 195 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 160, Buffalo Grove, IL.
FAQs
A filling can fall out for several reasons, including biting into sticky foods, trauma to the tooth, or gradual dental decay around the filling. Amalgam fillings, while durable, can also expand and contract over time, causing cracks or loosening.
A missing filling isn’t considered a dental emergency, but it should be treated promptly. Leaving the tooth exposed can cause sensitivity, pain, or infection if not repaired soon.
Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods and chew on the opposite side until your dentist repairs the filling.
Grinding your teeth places extra stress on fillings, which can cause them to crack or loosen over time. A nightguard can help protect your teeth if you grind while sleeping.
Without a filling, the tooth is vulnerable to dental decay, sensitivity, and even nerve exposure. This can eventually lead to more complex treatments like a crown or root canal.
