Losing a dental filling can be a surprising and unsettling experience. While fillings are designed to restore teeth affected by decay, they are not permanent and can dislodge for various reasons over time. Recognizing the signs and understanding the appropriate steps to take can help manage the situation and protect your oral health.
What You Might See and Feel
When a dental filling falls out, a visible hole or gap in the tooth is often the most noticeable visual indicator. This exposed area might appear as a dark crater, especially if the original filling was silver amalgam or if new decay has formed. Rough or sharp edges on the remaining tooth structure might also be observed, which can irritate your tongue or the inside of your cheek.
Beyond visual changes, a lost filling causes various sensations. You may experience increased sensitivity to temperature changes, such as when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks, because the inner layers of the tooth are now exposed. Pain or discomfort can also arise when biting down or chewing, as direct pressure is applied to the vulnerable tooth. Additionally, food particles might frequently become trapped in the newly exposed cavity, leading to further discomfort or an unusual feeling in your mouth.
Why Fillings Come Out
Daily chewing and biting subject dental fillings to considerable stress, leading to wear and tear. This constant pressure can gradually weaken the bond between the filling and the tooth, eventually causing the filling to dislodge. New tooth decay forming around or underneath the existing filling is another common reason. As decay progresses, it compromises the surrounding tooth structure, making it unable to hold the filling securely in place.
Trauma or injury to the mouth, such as biting down on an unexpectedly hard object or a blow to the face, can also cause a filling to come loose. Habits like teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) exert excessive force on fillings, contributing to their loosening or cracking over time. Issues with the original bonding, such as improper placement or contamination during the filling procedure, can lead to premature failure.
Immediate Steps After a Filling Falls Out
If a filling falls out, contact your dentist promptly to schedule an appointment. Until your appointment, several immediate actions can protect the exposed tooth and manage discomfort. Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area, remove food debris, and reduce bacterial buildup.
Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the filling fell out to prevent further damage or irritation. If you still have the dislodged filling, keep it in a safe place, as your dentist might be able to assess it. For temporary protection, you can use dental wax or an over-the-counter temporary filling material, which creates a barrier over the exposed area and helps alleviate sensitivity. These temporary solutions are not a permanent fix but can offer relief until professional treatment is available.
The Importance of Professional Dental Care
A lost dental filling requires prompt professional attention. Delaying treatment can lead to complications for your oral health. Without the filling’s protective barrier, the exposed tooth becomes vulnerable to new decay, as food particles and bacteria easily accumulate in the empty space.
Increased sensitivity to temperature and pressure can persist and worsen if the tooth remains unprotected. A weakened tooth structure due to a missing filling is at a higher risk of fracture or more extensive damage, possibly requiring procedures like a root canal or a crown. Only a dentist can properly assess the tooth’s condition and determine the most appropriate course of action to restore its function and prevent further issues.