Losing a filling is a common dental problem that most people experience one or more times during their lifetime. When a filling falls out, the tooth becomes vulnerable to bacteria, food debris and temperature changes. It is important to book an appointment with the dentist for a new filling as soon as possible to protect the tooth and prevent further damage.
Why do fillings fall out?
There are several reasons why a filling may loosen and fall out:
- Heavy chewing: Forceful chewing over time, especially on hard foods, can weaken the bond between the filling and the tooth.
- New cavity (caries): If a new cavity develops around or under an existing filling, it can undermine the filling and cause it to come loose.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism): Grinding or clenching the teeth subjects fillings to constant pressure, which over time can cause them to loosen or crack.
- Biting into something hard: Biting into an ice cube, a hard sweet or a bone can cause a filling to suddenly come loose or crack.
- Age of the filling: Old fillings, especially amalgam fillings, can weaken over time and eventually fall out.
What should you do when you have lost a filling?
Follow these tips while waiting for your dental appointment:
- Book an appointment with the dentist: Call us to book an appointment as soon as possible. A tooth without a filling is vulnerable and should be treated promptly.
- Keep the filling: If you find the filling, save it and bring it to the dentist. In some cases, the dentist may consider whether it can be reused.
- Gently remove food debris: Rinse your mouth with lukewarm saltwater and gently remove any food debris from the cavity with a toothpick or dental floss.
- Avoid chewing on that side: Use the other side of your mouth for chewing to avoid pain and further damage to the tooth.
- Painkillers if needed: If you experience pain or sensitivity, over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help.
Treatment at the dentist
When you visit the dentist, the tooth will first be examined to assess its condition. Depending on the condition of the tooth, treatment may include:
- New filling: In most cases, the dentist can simply make a new filling in composite (tooth-coloured material).
- Crown: If the tooth is severely weakened after repeated fillings or large fractures, a crown (dental cap) may be a better long-term solution to protect the tooth.
- Root canal: If the cavity is so deep that the dental nerve is affected, a root canal may be necessary before the tooth is restored.
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What happens if you wait too long?
A tooth without a filling is unprotected and deteriorates quickly. Bacteria can penetrate the tooth and cause a new cavity, nerve inflammation or in the worst case a dental abscess. The longer you wait, the more extensive and costly the treatment can become. A simple new filling can turn into a root canal or dental crown if the problem worsens.