What to Do if a Filling Falls Out of a Tooth
If you have ever had a cavity before, chances are you have gotten a filling at the dentist. Fillings help repair the damage caused by cavities and prevent further damage from happening. However, fillings are not indestructible and don’t last forever. If they are not taken care of properly, they can crack or even fall out.
At Sandcreek Dental, we understand that experiencing this can bring on panic and worry. With our help, there’s no need to stress. If you take the precautions discussed in this blog, you can restore your healthy smile.
Contact Your Dentist
The first thing you should do when your filling falls out or even feels loose is call your dentist. Calling them right away allows you to go minimal time without the filling. Many dental offices have emergency appointments, but if that’s not the case, schedule the soonest possible appointment. Your dentist should be able to see you within a few days.
Note: If you have the fallen out filling, keep it with you. It might still be of use at the dentist.
How to Care for Your Teeth While Waiting for Your Appointment
If you cannot get to the dentist immediately, you can ask them about things you can do at home to preserve your tooth as best as possible. This can include:
- Rinsing with salt water to prevent bacteria from getting into the exposed area
- Refraining from chewing on the side where the filling fell out
- Taking medication if you are experiencing any pain from it
- Brushing extremely gently on and around the area
- Avoiding hard or sticky foods that are high in sodium or sugar
Doing these at home can help keep your oral health and teeth in the best condition as possible until you can see your dentist.
What to Expect at the Dentist
When you go to the dentist, they will assess the condition of your fallen-out filling and tooth. There may be minimal damage, but there could also be damage to the dentin, the inner layer of the tooth.
If there is no additional damage, the dentist will simply replace the filling. If there is more damage, you may need additional procedures to prevent any further complications from happening.
Depending on how old your previous filling was and the reason that it fell out, you may get a reduced cost on the filling. Your insurance should also be able to cover at least part of it, depending on what plan you have. Communicate clearly with your dentist about your specific situation.
How to Prevent Fillings From Becoming Loose or Falling Out
Knowing the preventative measures of loose fillings is crucial to stop it from happening again in the future. Fillings should last from anywhere from 5-20 years, depending on the material used and if taken care of properly.
Main Causes
Knowing the main causes of loose fillings can help you avoid them. Some of these include:
- Biting or chewing too hard
- Facial trauma
- Tooth decay
- Bad oral hygiene
- Teeth grinding
Prevention
To prevent these causes and loose fillings as best as possible, try to:
- Avoid clenching your teeth
- Limit hard, sugary, and sticky foods
- If you are eating something hard, don’t bite directly on the area with the filling
- Brush and floss every day to avoid bacteria buildup
- See the dentist regularly for checkups
Conclusion
Experiencing a filling coming loose or falling out can be a stressful time. Though it should be fixed as soon as possible, it can be easily resolved with a dentist. If you take the necessary steps to preserve it and contact your dentist, you can fix that smile with no complications!
