What to Do If Your Dental Filling Falls Out (A Step-by-Step Guide)

TL;DR

• Fillings fall out due to decay, wear, hard or sticky foods, grinding, accidents, or poor hygiene.
• If it falls out, be gentle, protect the tooth, avoid chewing on that side, and call your dentist soon.
• Don’t glue it back, don’t poke it, don’t chew on it, and don’t ignore pain or swelling.
• Dentists may replace the filling, place a crown or inlay, or treat the nerve if it’s affected.
• Leaving it untreated can cause decay, cracks, infection, nerve pain, and more expensive treatment later.
• To prevent another lost filling, keep teeth clean, avoid hard or sticky foods, treat tooth grinding, and see your dentist regularly.

Lost Filling: What It Means and What You Should Do Next?

A lost filling can be unsettling. One minute everything feels normal, and the next there’s a hole in your tooth, a sharp edge, or that sudden zing of sensitivity that makes you stop mid-bite. That sudden change is enough to make anyone worry, but try not to panic. Fillings can and do come out, and dentists deal with this all the time.

What matters most now is what you do next. In this article, we will discuss a few simple steps to protect the tooth until it’s repaired and when an emergency dentist may be needed. But first, let’s take a brief look at why fillings fall out.

Common Reasons a Filling Falls Out

A lost filling can happen for several reasons, and knowing why can help you prevent it in the future:

• Tooth decay under the filling: If the tooth beneath weakens, the filling can loosen and fall out.
• Normal wear and tear: Fillings aren’t permanent. Years of chewing and biting can gradually wear them down.
• Chewing hard or sticky foods: Hard candies, nuts, or sticky treats like caramel can pull on a filling and dislodge it.
• Teeth grinding: Grinding or clenching your teeth, even at night, can wear down a filling over time.
• Trauma or biting something hard: Accidental knocks, falls, or biting a hard object can loosen or knock out a filling.
• Poor oral hygiene: Weak teeth from plaque and decay make it easier for a filling to come out.

What to Do Immediately If Your Dental Filling Falls Out?

Here’s what to do immediately if your filling falls out:

1. Keep the filling: First things first, if you can find the filling, don’t throw it away. Sometimes, your dentist can reuse it or at least see what type it was.
2. Rinse your mouth gently: Use warm water to rinse out any debris. Avoid poking at the tooth with your fingers or tools. That can make things worse.
3. Clean the tooth carefully: Brush lightly around the area to remove food particles. Be gentle, as your tooth may be sensitive where the filling fell out.
4. Cover sharp edges or the cavity temporarily: If the tooth feels jagged, a small piece of sugar-free gum or temporary dental cement can cover it until you see your dentist. Cotton can work in a pinch, too.
5. Avoid chewing on that side: Don’t risk breaking the tooth or causing more pain. Stick to soft foods and try to chew on the opposite side.
6. Manage any discomfort: Over-the-counter pain relief can help, and a cold compress on your cheek may ease swelling.
7. Call your dentist right away: A lost cavity filling isn’t something to ignore. The tooth is now vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. Book an appointment as soon as possible to get it properly treated.

What Not to Do if Your Filling Comes Out?

It’s natural to want to fix the problem yourself, especially if the tooth feels sharp or sensitive. But some things can make the situation worse, so it’s best to know what to avoid:

• Do not try to glue the filling back yourself: It might seem like a quick fix, but home adhesives can damage the tooth further or trap bacteria inside.
• Do not ignore pain or swelling: Persistent discomfort or swelling could be a sign of infection. Leaving it untreated can lead to more serious problems.
• Do not chew on the affected side: Even if the tooth feels okay, chewing can worsen the gap and make the filling site more sensitive.
• Do not poke or scrape the cavity: Using sharp objects or even your fingernail can irritate the tooth and gums, increasing the risk of infection.
• Do not eat very hard, sticky, or sugary foods: These can pull out any temporary protection you’ve placed and can worsen sensitivity or decay.

When is Lost Filling a Dental Emergency?

If any of the signs below show up, treat it as a dental emergency and reach out for care promptly:

• Severe pain that does not settle or keeps you up at night
• Swelling in the face, cheek, or gums that is getting worse
• Pus, bad taste, or signs of infection around the tooth
• Fever along with tooth pain or swelling
• Tooth cracked or broken, with the nerve likely exposed

If you are nearby, our emergency dentist in Blaine, MN, can assess the tooth and help relieve your pain quickly.

How Do Dentists Treat a Lost Filling?

Here are a few ways our dentists at University Ave Dental address a lost filling:

• Replacement filling: For most cases, the simplest solution is a new filling. Your dentist will clean the cavity, remove any decay, and place a fresh filling to restore the tooth’s shape and function.
• Inlay or onlay: If the original filling was large or the tooth needs extra support, your dentist might use an inlay or onlay. These are custom-made pieces that fit perfectly onto your tooth.
• Dental crown: If the tooth is weakened or a lot of filling material is lost, a crown may be the safest option. It covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection.
• Root canal treatment: Sometimes, if the nerve of the tooth is exposed or infected, a root canal may be needed before replacing the filling. This removes any infection and saves the tooth.
• Extraction: In rare cases where the tooth is badly damaged, removing it may be the only option. Your dentist will discuss all options before taking this step.

What Happens If You Leave a Missing Filling Untreated?

When a filling is lost, it can be tempting to wait and hope for the best. But leaving it untreated can lead to bigger problems, such as:

• Tooth decay can spread more quickly when the cavity is exposed.
• The tooth may weaken and even crack under pressure.
• Infection can develop, sometimes forming an abscess that causes swelling and pain.
• The nerve inside the tooth can become damaged, leading to more complex treatment.
• Waiting too long often means higher costs and more extensive dental work later.

How to Prevent Fillings From Falling Out Again?

Once you’ve lost a filling, it’s natural to want to prevent it from happening again. Taking a few simple steps can help:

• Brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and gums clean and reduce the risk of decay.
• Avoid biting into very hard foods or sticky treats that can loosen fillings.
• If you grind or clench your teeth, get it treated to protect both your natural teeth and fillings.
• Keep up with regular dental check-ups, so your dentist can spot any worn or weakened fillings early.
• Replace old or worn fillings before they fail to avoid surprises.

Final Thoughts

A lost filling can feel stressful, but it doesn’t have to turn into a major problem. Acting quickly, taking care of your tooth at home, and seeing a dentist promptly can prevent pain, infection, and further damage. Even if it seems minor, a filling that has fallen out leaves your tooth vulnerable, and waiting too long can make treatment more complicated.

At University Ave Dental, we understand how worrisome dental emergencies can be. Our goal is to make the process simple and comfortable, so your tooth is protected and restored as soon as possible.

If you ever experience a lost filling or any sudden dental issue, don’t wait. Contact us to schedule a visit with the best dentist in Blaine, MN, and get the care you need to keep your smile healthy:

Phone: 7637841242

Email: office@universityavedental.com 

Location: 10155 University Ave NE Ste 112, Blaine, MN 55434, United States

FAQs

1. Will a lost filling cause pain?

It’s common to feel sensitivity or mild discomfort when a filling falls out. You might notice pain when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods. If the pain persists or becomes sharp, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible.

2. Can I still eat normally without a filling?

It’s best to avoid chewing on the side with the lost filling to prevent further damage. Stick to soft foods, and be careful around that tooth until you can see your dentist.

3. Can I brush my teeth after a filling falls out?

Yes, you should still brush gently. Just be careful around the exposed tooth. Avoid poking the hole with your brush or tongue, even though it’s tempting.