Has a lost dental filling become an unexpected plot twist in your day? Suddenly, you're dealing with a sensitive tooth and a swirl of questions: What caused it? Is it serious, or can it wait? Our team at The Dental Place is here to help you through what to do if your dental filling falls out so you can stay calm and protect your smile.
How Can Dental Fillings Fall Out?
Dental fillings are designed to be durable, but they don't last forever. Several factors can cause a filling to loosen or fall out:
- Wear and Tear — Chewing and grinding can weaken your tooth filling over time.
- Decay — New cavities can form around or under the filling and cause it to fall out.
- Injury — Biting down on something hard or having a blow to the face can knock a filling loose.
- Poor Adhesion — If a dental filling isn't placed securely, it may not hold as long as expected.
Regardless, it's important to promptly address a lost filling to prevent further problems like infection.
Signs Your Filling Has Fallen Out
Sometimes, it's obvious when a filling has come out. For instance, you might feel it in your mouth or notice immediate sensitivity. Other times, the signs are more subtle, like:
- Sharp or jagged edges on your tooth
- Sudden sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
- Discomfort or pain in the affected tooth
- Food getting stuck in the exposed cavity
If you experience any of these symptoms, we invite you to contact our dental clinic right away.
What to Do Right Away
If your filling falls out, we ask that you please don't panic. Follow these steps to protect your tooth and manage discomfort until you can see a dentist:
- Save the filling if you can. — If you can find the filling, keep it in a safe place. In some cases, your dentist may be able to reuse it.
- Rinse your mouth. — Use warm water to rinse out your mouth gently.
- Protect the tooth. — Avoid chewing on the affected side and stick to soft foods to prevent further damage.
- Manage pain. — If the exposed tooth is sensitive or painful, an over-the-counter pain reliever can help.
- Call your dentist. — We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible to arrange an appointment.
Why Is It Important to Act Quickly?
A lost filling exposes your tooth to potential damage and decay and creates an open cavity that can trap food particles and bacteria. This can be painful, and it can also lead to infections or nerve damage. Waiting too long can lead to intense sensitivity or even a cracked tooth. Fortunately, one of our dentists can quickly work to restore your tooth back to its former glory.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
When you visit our dental clinic in Reservoir, our team will assess your tooth to determine the best course of action. Here's what may happen during your appointment:
- Exam — Your dentist will examine the tooth and may take x-rays to check for decay or damage.
- Cleaning — We will clean the exposed area to eliminate bacteria.
- Replacement Filling — In most cases, we will place a new, composite tooth filling.
- Further Treatment (If Needed) — If the tooth has significant decay or damage, we may recommend additional treatment, such as a crown or root canal.
4 Tips for Preventing Fillings from Falling Out
While some wear and tear is inevitable, there are steps you can take to make your fillings last longer:
- Practice good oral hygiene. — Brush twice daily, floss daily and use fluoride toothpaste to keep your teeth strong.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods. — Chewing on hard candies, ice or sticky treats can stress your fillings.
- Address teeth grinding or clenching. —If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about a nightguard to protect your fillings and teeth.
- Visit your dentist regularly. — Routine check-ups allow us to monitor your fillings and catch issues early.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care
While a lost filling isn't always an emergency, there are situations where immediate care is necessary:
- Severe Pain — Intense or throbbing pain could indicate an infection or nerve damage.
- Broken Tooth — If the tooth cracks or fractures, it needs urgent attention.
- Swelling or Fever — These signs suggest an infection that needs prompt treatment.
At our dental clinic in Reservoir, we understand how stressful a lost filling can be. Our experienced team is here to provide compassionate care and restore your smile quickly and effectively. Whether it's replacing a filling or addressing other dental concerns, we're committed to helping you maintain healthy, happy teeth.
We Welcome Your Call!
Please don't let a lost filling ruin your holiday season or daily routine! If you're experiencing dental trouble, we invite you to give us a call today.
We welcome patients of all ages from the surrounding areas of Kingsbury, Coburg, Coburg North, Preston, Bundoora, McLeod, Heidelberg Heights, Fawkner and Melbourne's North and North-Eastern suburbs.
We look forward to helping you smile!