A dental filling is a restorative treatment. While experiencing a filling fall out can be unsettling, in most cases, swallowing it is not a serious health concern. This article provides guidance on what steps to take if you find yourself in this situation.
Immediate Safety Concerns
When a dental filling is swallowed, a primary concern often revolves around the material itself. Common filling materials, such as amalgam (silver fillings), composite resin, gold, and porcelain, are generally considered inert once they are set and are not harmful if ingested in small quantities. For instance, amalgam fillings contain mercury, but when combined with other metals, it forms a stable alloy that is not toxic if swallowed, as it is not readily absorbed by the body. Other materials like composite resin, gold, and porcelain are also largely non-reactive within the digestive system.
A more immediate, though uncommon, concern is the possibility of choking if the filling is inhaled into the airways rather than swallowed into the esophagus. However, the body’s natural reflexes typically direct objects towards the digestive tract, making inhalation a rare occurrence once the object has passed the throat.
Next Steps and Potential Outcomes
If you swallow a dental filling, remaining calm is advisable. There is no need to induce vomiting. In the majority of instances, the filling will pass through the digestive tract without incident. Most small, blunt foreign objects that are swallowed typically travel through the gastrointestinal system and are expelled naturally within a few days, though this process can sometimes take up to a week or even longer.
While serious complications are infrequent, it is important to be aware of potential symptoms that warrant medical attention. These include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, blood in the stool, fever, or difficulty breathing. Such symptoms could indicate a rare complication, such as an obstruction or perforation within the digestive tract. If any of these signs develop, seeking immediate medical evaluation is important.
Beyond the physical passage of the filling, addressing the missing restoration with a dentist is crucial. An exposed tooth is vulnerable to further decay, sensitivity, and potential infection. Prompt dental attention helps prevent more extensive damage, such as the need for a root canal or even tooth extraction, and restores the tooth’s chewing function. Contacting your dental office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to repair the tooth.