Dentists have used fillings to repair damaged teeth for centuries, and these restorations are more lifelike and functional today than ever before. While modern tooth-colored fillings are designed to look like natural enamel and preserve more native tooth structure, they sometimes fail due factors like age, injuries, and poor oral hygiene habits. Here’s a quick look at why your dental filling may fall out and what your dentist can do to help.
Why Do Dental Fillings Fall Out?
A dental filling may fall out of its tooth for reasons like:
- Age: Years of use can wear the filling down and loosen it from its position. This can eventually cause it to fall out.
- Injury: A blow to the face or a new crack in the enamel can work a filling loose from the tooth.
- Infection: Poor oral hygiene habits can allow bacteria to erode the natural tooth structure supporting a filling, causing it to fail.
What Should I Do if My Filling Falls Out?
It’s important to see a qualified oral health professional soon after losing a filling to prevent the interior of the tooth’s being exposed to harmful germs or chemicals. If your filling falls out, follow these steps:
- If possible, find the loose filling and store it in a clean, sturdy container so you can safely transport it to your dentist’s office.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed. You may also want to rinse your mouth with warm salt-water to ease inflammation and kill harmful bacteria.
- Contact your dentist to describe your symptoms, receive instructions on how to handle the situation, and schedule an appointment.
Your dentist will be happy to repair your tooth when you arrive at their office for your appointment.
How Can My Dentist Help?
Depending on the condition of the tooth and the loose filling, your dentist may be able to fix the restoration back in its place. However, a filling that cannot be located or salvaged will have to be replaced. If the tooth is severely damaged, it may require other treatments such as crowns, veneers, or a root canal. In extremely severe cases, the tooth may have to be extracted and replaced.
Don’t let losing a filling set you up for infections and injuries. Consulting with your dentist can help you keep your smile beautiful and functional for life.
About the Author
Dr. Lance Anderson earned his dental degree at the University of Louisville and keeps his skills sharp and current with continuing education coursework. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Wyoming Dental Association. His office in Lovell offers general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry such as tooth-colored fillings. If you have lost a filling, contact the office online or dial (307) 548-7654.