What to Do When a Filling Falls Out?

If you have a loose filling, you may be wondering what happens when a filling falls out. Don’t worry, stay calm. The first thing you should do is call your dentist. They will help to determine the best course of action to fix your tooth.

How Long do Fillings Last?

How long a filling will last is dependent upon many factors. Some of these factors include:

• Oral hygiene habits – Brushing two times a day for two minutes each time with a fluoridated toothpaste and flossing once per day will increase the lifespan of your filling.
• Eating and drinking habits – Eating and drinking things that are high in sugar or highly acidic will decrease the lifespan of your filling.
• Type of filling material – An amalgam filling (also known as “silver filling”) lasts longer than a composite filling (also known as “tooth-colored filling”).
• Size of the filling – A large or oversized filling will not last as long as a small filling.

Given these many risk factors that affect how long your filling will last, there is a wide lifespan for a tooth filling. It can last anywhere from 5-15 years.

What to Do If a Filling Falls Out?

If you have lost a filling you may want to know, what do you do if a filling falls out? Here are some steps to follow:

1. Call your dentist to schedule an appointment. The sooner you can get in to see your dentist the better outcome for your tooth is.
2. Keep the piece of filling that came out, in case it can be used again. If it is a filling that fell out, it most likely will not be able to be put back on your tooth. If it is a dental crown that came off, it can be re-cemented.
3. Keep the area Clean where the filling Fell out. If you allow food and bacteria to accumulate around the area where the filling fell out, a new cavity can start.
4. If you cannot get to your dentist right away, you can use over-the-counter temporary filling material to protect the area. This is only a temporary solution and should only be used until you can get to the dentist.
5. To avoid causing further damage to the tooth, do not chew in the area where the filling fell out. Now that the filling has fallen out, the tooth is weaker and you will need to avoid chewing around that area.

What Does a Filling Look Like When It Falls Out?

If your filling has fallen out, it may look like there is a hole in your tooth. Your tongue may notice this also since it is very sensitive to changes in your mouth. The filling material that came out may be silver in color if it’s an amalgam filling (also called a “silver filling”) or white in color if it’s a composite filling (also known as a “tooth-colored filling”).

What to Do When a Tooth Filling Falls Out and You Can’t Visit the Dentist?

On occasion, your tooth filling may fall out after your dental office is closed. If this happens to you, follow these steps:

1. Keep the piece of filling that fell out, in case it can be reused. Place the filling into a Ziploc bag and store it in a secure place.
2. Keep the area clean. In addition to your normal daily oral hygiene habits (brushing and flossing), an antimicrobial mouthwash can be used to help keep the area clean and free of bacteria.
3. An over-the-counter temporary filling material can be placed in the area where the filling fell out to protect it until you’re able to see your dentist.
4. If there is pain involved, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage the pain.

What Happens If a Filling Falls Out?

Your tooth may become more sensitive if a filling falls out. The hole in your tooth where the filling used to be is now exposed to the food and drinks that you consume. This inside area of your tooth is more sensitive to hot and cold. Keeping the area clean until you can get to your dentist will help minimize the sensitivity. You may also need to cover the hole in your tooth with an over-the-counter temporary filling material to help protect your tooth.

Will You Need to Pay for a Replacement Filling?

Whether you will need to pay for a replacement filling will depend on many factors such as the age and size of the filling. If the filling is more than 2 years old, it is likely that you will need to pay for the replacement filling. If the filling is less than 2 years old, but the dentist had recommended a crown because the filling was too big, than you may be expected to pay for the replacement filling or a crown may now be needed.

How to Prevent Filling from Falling Out?

Preventing a filling from falling out is the best way to avoid any tooth pain or dental emergencies. Here are some tips to help you prevent losing a filling:

• Regular dental visits: Visit your dentist at least two times a year for cleanings, routine x-rays and exams. These preventative dental visits will help to minimize the chances of a filling falling out.
• Good daily oral hygiene habits: Brushing two times a day for two minutes each time with a fluoridated toothpaste and flossing once per day will help to reduce your chances of having a filling fall out.
• Choose teeth friendly foods and drinks: Avoid consuming foods or drinks that are high in sugar or highly acidic because they will shorten the lifespan of your fillings.
• Do not chew on ice: Do not chew of hard objects such as ice or pencil tops. Chewing these things will greatly reduce the lifespan of your filling.
• Wear an occlusal guard at night if you grind or clench your teeth: An occlusal guard (also known as a “mouthguard”) will protect you from grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep at night. Grinding or clenching your teeth can loosen your filling and increase the likelihood of a filling falling out.
• Avoid sticky foods: Avoid sticky foods that may pull out or loosen a filling.
• See your dentist: If any of your teeth with fillings start to hurt or become sensitive to hot or cold, see your dentist. This is a sign that your filling may be loosening and ready to fall out.

Conclusion

The best way to avoid having a filling fall out and a possible dental emergency is to maintain regular dental visits. Your dentist will be able to look for signs of a loose filling and take care of them before the filling falls out. If you happen to have a filling fall out, the first thing you should do is call your dentist.

Whether you have a loose filling, a filling that fell out or just want to schedule a routine check-up, our expert team at Living Well Dental Group is here to help, call today at 630-505-1516 or to schedule an appointment online.