A dental filling is a common restoration used to repair a tooth damaged by decay. While fillings are designed to restore the tooth’s function and appearance, it can be unsettling when one dislodges. Understanding the reasons behind a lost filling and knowing what steps to take can help manage the situation effectively.
Causes for a Filling Coming Out
New decay forming around or underneath an existing filling is a common cause for dislodgement. This decay weakens the tooth structure supporting the filling, causing it to lose its grip. Bacteria can accumulate if the filling’s seal breaks down, leading to decay that is difficult to remove with regular brushing and flossing.
Fillings also experience wear and tear over time from daily activities like chewing and biting. The constant pressure can cause the filling material to weaken, crack, chip, or erode, especially as the filling ages. Different filling materials have varying lifespans; for instance, composite fillings typically last 5 to 10 years, while amalgam fillings can last 10 to 15 years.
Excessive biting forces, such as teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), place significant stress on fillings. This repetitive pressure can lead to fillings cracking, loosening, or coming out. Biting down on hard foods like nuts, ice, or sticky candies can also dislodge a filling.
Physical trauma or injury to the mouth, such as a direct blow or a fall, can also cause a filling to pop out. Issues with the initial bonding of the filling material to the tooth can also contribute to premature failure. This can occur if the material was not properly bonded or cured during the dental procedure.
Immediate Steps to Take
If a dental filling comes out, remain calm and act promptly to protect the exposed tooth. Carefully remove the dislodged filling from your mouth to avoid swallowing it. Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and remove debris. A warm salt water solution can also help keep the area clean and reduce inflammation.
Contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment, ideally within a few days, as a lost filling is considered a dental emergency. Waiting too long can increase the risk of further decay, infection, or more extensive dental procedures like a root canal or crown. Until you can see the dentist, avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the filling came out to prevent further damage or irritation to the tooth.
To provide temporary protection for the exposed tooth, use over-the-counter dental cement or dental wax, available at most pharmacies. Press a small piece into the cavity to cover the sensitive area. This helps prevent food particles and bacteria from entering the tooth, and reduces sensitivity to temperature changes.
Preventing Future Filling Issues
Preventing future filling issues involves a combination of consistent oral hygiene and mindful habits. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, helps prevent new decay from forming around existing fillings. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also important, as they allow your dentist to identify early signs of wear, decay, or other problems that could compromise your fillings.
If you experience teeth grinding or clenching, particularly at night, discuss this with your dentist. These habits can exert significant force on fillings, leading to damage. Your dentist may recommend a custom-made night guard to protect your teeth and fillings from the effects of bruxism.
Avoiding chewing on extremely hard foods such as ice, hard candies, or popcorn kernels can also help prevent fillings from cracking or dislodging. Limiting sticky or chewy foods like caramels and certain gums can also reduce the risk of pulling a filling out. Additionally, discussing appropriate filling materials with your dentist, especially if you have a history of lost fillings or heavy biting forces, can contribute to the longevity of your dental restorations.