Tooth fillings serve as a common dental restoration, designed to repair teeth damaged by decay or trauma. While crafted to withstand daily chewing and biting, they are not permanent. Over time, a filling can become dislodged, leading to discomfort and potential further dental issues. Understanding why a filling might come out and what steps to take can help manage this event.
Why Fillings Become Dislodged
New or recurrent decay is a frequent reason for a filling to become dislodged. Bacteria produce acids that erode tooth structure around or beneath an existing filling, weakening its bond. This creates a new cavity that undermines the filling’s support, leading to its detachment.
Filling materials degrade or wear down over time. Amalgam fillings can corrode and expand or contract with temperature changes, contributing to microscopic fractures. Composite resin fillings also wear, chip, or debond from the tooth due to chewing forces, compromising their seal and leading to dislodgment.
Excessive biting forces, such as grinding (bruxism) or clenching, stress dental restorations. These pressures can fracture the filling or weaken its bond, leading to separation. Trauma, like a direct blow to the mouth or biting hard objects, can also instantly dislodge a filling.
The original cavity’s size or complexity can challenge a filling’s stability. Large fillings may have minimal tooth structure for support, increasing fracture or dislodgment risk. Issues with initial bonding or placement, such as moisture contamination or insufficient etching, can compromise its retention.
What to Do When a Filling Comes Out
If a filling comes out, the first step is to carefully remove it from your mouth if it is loose to prevent accidental swallowing or choking. Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and remove any debris. This helps to reduce the risk of irritation and keeps the tooth surface as clean as possible until you can see a dentist.
It is important to avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth. Applying pressure to the exposed tooth can cause further damage, pain, or sensitivity, especially if the underlying dentin or nerve is now exposed. Eating soft foods on the opposite side can help minimize discomfort and protect the weakened tooth from additional stress.
If the edge of the tooth feels sharp or is irritating your tongue or cheek, you can temporarily cover it. Dental wax, available at most pharmacies, can be molded over the sharp edge to provide a protective barrier. As an alternative, a small, sugar-free piece of chewing gum can also be softened and pressed over the tooth to offer temporary relief from irritation.
Promptly contact your dentist to schedule an appointment for professional assessment and repair. Delaying treatment can lead to increased sensitivity, pain, or further damage to the tooth. The exposed tooth structure is more vulnerable to bacterial invasion and decay, potentially leading to more extensive and costly treatments if not addressed in a timely manner.
Minimizing the Risk of Filling Loss
Maintaining diligent oral hygiene practices is important in preventing fillings from dislodging. Regular brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and daily flossing helps remove plaque and food particles that contribute to new decay. Preventing new cavities from forming around or beneath existing fillings is important for their longevity.
Scheduling routine dental check-ups and professional cleanings twice a year allows your dentist to monitor the condition of your fillings and overall oral health. During these visits, the dentist can identify any signs of wear, cracks, or decay around the fillings early on. Addressing these issues proactively can prevent a filling from becoming dislodged.
Avoiding chewing on extremely hard foods, such as ice, hard candies, or unpopped popcorn kernels, can significantly reduce the risk of damaging fillings. These hard items can exert excessive force, potentially fracturing the filling or the surrounding tooth structure. Similarly, refraining from using your teeth to open packages or bite non-food items helps protect your restorations.
If you grind or clench your teeth, especially during sleep, discuss this habit with your dentist. The sustained force from bruxism can weaken fillings and lead to their failure over time. A custom-fitted nightguard can protect your teeth and fillings from these destructive forces by cushioning the bite and distributing pressure more evenly across your dental arches.