What Should I Do If My Filling Falls Out?

It can be a scary situation when you discover that a filling has fallen out. However, it is not uncommon as dental fillings generally will not last forever. When one falls out unexpectedly, it will have to be replaced. Here is a look at why this happens and what you should do if it happens to you.

Why Do Fillings Fall Out?

A filling can be loosened in one of many ways although this does not always lead to it falling out of the tooth. For example, if you are not vigilant in your home oral care routine – brushing and flossing at least twice a day – any tooth can develop periodontal disease which weakens it.

You may lose a filling simply because it has gotten old and somehow from your chewing activity has become loose and eventually falls out. One more way you can have a filling fall out is from some kind of trauma to your mouth that impacts the tooth to the point where it is damaged.

Contact us at All Needs Dental the next time you ask yourself What Should I Do If My Filling Falls Out? Book your appointment today.

My Filling Fell Out – How Long Can I Wait?

Your dentist may be able to fit you in their busy schedule later the same day as many dental offices allow time in their scheduling for emergency dental treatments. However, you may also end up having to wait a few days before you can have a dentist look at your teeth.

If this is the case in your situation, you will have to take some precautions to prevent any further complications. Your first step is to avoid eating foods that may cause additional damage to the tooth. Chewing on the other side of your mouth may be a quick remedy for this.

Changing your diet slightly will help by including softer foods and avoiding sugary items – including soft drinks – as they will speed up the development of tooth decay. Also, be sure to carefully brush the tooth, brushing gently inside the hole the filling was in, to remove all food debris.

Part Of My Tooth Broke Off. What Should I Do?

The first thing you should do is ensure that any and all pieces of the filling are removed from your mouth. You do not want to accidentally swallow or inhale any of the broken filling. Do not throw the parts of the broken filling away. Then call your dentist to schedule an appointment.

As stated above, you may be able to go in later in the day or early the next day. Ask your dentist if they want you to keep the broken filling. Sometimes a dentist will want to examine the damaged filling before proceeding with the process of providing a new one.

Will Losing A Filling Cause Any Pain?

Typically, you should not feel much in the way of pain unless you have dentine tubules exposed. These are the ‘sensors’ that signal your brain to respond to pain. You can cover the hole in the tooth with a temporary filling material and take over-the-counter pain medication.

So What Should I Do If My Filling Falls Out?

Your dentist will be able to treat your tooth with another filling provided you do not cause any more damage to it and practice good oral hygiene. Your dentist will be able to determine the correct procedure to follow in case the loose filling resulted from tooth damage.

If you have a filling that has fallen out, contact us today at All Needs Dental in Burwood for an emergency appointment.