A dental filling restores a tooth’s function and structure after decay removal by sealing the space left by a cavity. This material prevents bacteria from re-entering the tooth. When a filling falls out, the tooth loses this protective seal, making the inner layers vulnerable to the oral environment. This common dental issue requires prompt attention to avoid further damage and discomfort.
Immediate Signs and Sensations
When a filling is lost, a person often feels a noticeable difference in the texture of the tooth, frequently described as a rough, sharp, or hollow area. This feeling is caused by the exposed, uneven edges of the remaining tooth structure. The most common sensation is a sudden and intense sensitivity.
This sensitivity occurs because the protective filling is gone, exposing the underlying dentin. Dentin is a porous layer beneath the enamel containing thousands of microscopic channels, called tubules, which lead directly to the tooth’s pulp. Air, pressure, and temperature changes from hot or cold foods and liquids travel through these open tubules and stimulate the nerve, causing a sharp jolt of pain. The exposed area is also vulnerable to irritation from sugary foods and drinks.
Steps to Take Right Now
Contact a dental office immediately to schedule an appointment, ideally within one to three days. Until professional care is received, temporary measures are necessary to protect the exposed tooth and manage discomfort. Gently rinse the mouth with warm salt water to clean the area and remove any debris from the open cavity.
To manage pain or sensitivity, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken as directed. Temporary protection for the exposed site is recommended. Dental wax, sugar-free gum, or an over-the-counter temporary filling material kit can be used to create a temporary seal over the hole. This barrier shields the sensitive dentin from temperature extremes and food particles.
Risks of Leaving the Area Untreated
Ignoring a lost filling, even if discomfort is minimal, allows the tooth to become vulnerable to rapid damage. The open cavity serves as a trap for bacteria and food debris, accelerating the decay process the original filling was meant to stop. This is known as secondary decay, which quickly progresses deeper into the tooth structure.
Without the protective filling, the remaining tooth structure is structurally weakened and susceptible to fracturing or chipping when chewing. If decay progresses deep enough, it will reach the pulp, which contains the nerves and blood vessels. This irritation can lead to severe pain and infection. An untreated infection can result in a dental abscess, a painful pocket of pus at the tooth’s root that may cause swelling and spread.
Professional Treatment Options
Upon examination, the dentist will assess the extent of the damage and determine the cause for the filling’s loss. Treatment depends on how much tooth structure remains and whether new decay has developed in the exposed area. If the tooth damage is minimal and new decay is not extensive, a simple replacement of the filling with new material, such as composite resin or amalgam, may be possible.
When a significant portion of the tooth structure is lost, a more substantial restoration like an inlay, an onlay, or a full crown is recommended. An inlay or onlay covers only a portion of the biting surface, while a crown covers the entire visible part of the tooth for strength and protection. If decay or fracture has reached the pulp, causing irreversible infection, treatment escalates to a root canal procedure to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth, followed by crown placement.