Tooth Filling Fell Out
July 1 2021 by Mills Haven Dental
By now, most of us have sat in a chair, mouth wide open, while our dentist gives us a filling (or two). Most of the time, we seem to forget we even have them, but they’re an important way to keep our teeth healthy and strong after they’ve been damaged.
But every now and then, a tooth filling falls out. Fillings can dislodge for a variety of reasons, including:
- New tooth decay;
- Chewing, grinding, or biting too hard;
- Trauma to the tooth or root;
- Debonding from a chemical reaction; or
- Loosening over time.
Whatever the reason, you need to do something about it. Keep reading to find out what you should do and how you can prevent it from happening again.
What You Should Do
If your tooth filling falls out, you should follow these 4 key steps:
- Arrange an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
- If you can find it, hold onto the filling to show your dentist.
- Take care of your tooth by gently brushing and rinsing with salt water throughout the day.
- Don’t bite or chew with that tooth.
Why You Need to Act Fast
Alright, now that you know what you need to do, we need to tell you that you should do it FAST.
If the exposed tooth is left alone for too long, you could start to experience pain, discomfort, or sensitivity. This is all bad on its own, but your tooth could also suffer further decay or damage.
You should try to see your dentist as soon as possible.
How You Can Prevent
The unfortunate tooth—whoops, truth—is that fillings cannot last forever. We simply don’t have a material that withstands the test of time yet. However, with proper care and a bit of luck, your fillings could last up to 15 years.
To prevent your tooth fillings from falling out, you need to follow some basic rules:
- Practice good hygiene. Floss once per day and brush twice per day—you can’t go wrong. Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush a few times a year.
- Take advantage of preventative dentistry. You should visit your dentist regularly. Your annual check-up and bi-annual cleaning will help you get the most out of your fillings.
- Don’t grind and clench. If you tend to grind your teeth at night, explore getting a protective mouthguard. Be aware of when you clench your teeth throughout the day; most of us do it when we’re feeling a little stressed.
- Watch what you eat. Sticky and hard foods can be tough on fillings. We don’t want you to sacrifice your favourite snacks completely, but be mindful of how you take a bite.
- Listen to your body. If you start experiencing pain or discomfort in your jaw or mouth, make an appointment with your dentist. This could be a sign of a loose filling or another problem.
Who You Should Call
You should call us! Your Mills Haven Dental team is available to help you get that filling replaced in no time