My Dental Filling Fell Out; How Can I Get It Fixed?

Dentists have used fillings to restore the strength of teeth compromised by injury and decay for thousands of years, and modern versions of this treatment are more effective, comfortable, and discreet than ever before. A dental filling can last for seven years or more if it receives proper care and hygiene, and there are cases of these restorations coming loose or falling out completely. Here’s what to do if you lose a dental filling to prevent infection and keep your smile gorgeous and healthy.

What Are Dental Fillings?

A dental filling is a restoration placed to seal the wound left in a tooth by injury or infection, and they are used to preserve the tooth’s strength, function, and appearance. While most dental crowns were traditionally made from metals like gold or alloys like amalgam, today’s restorations are often made from tooth-colored resin to ensure that they can visually blend in with the natural structure of the smile. These modern white fillings also often require the removal of less healthy enamel to placed, making them a more conservative option.

Why Would a Dental Filling Fall Out?

A dental filling may fall out for a range of reasons like:

• Injury: A blow to the face can knock a filling loose or crack the enamel supporting it.
• Infection: New tooth decay can compromise the dental structure around the filling.
• Age: Years of chewing pressure can gradually work a filling loose from its tooth until it falls out.
• Bruxism: Grinding your teeth in your sleep or when stressed can wear your filling out faster.

What Should I Do When My Filling Falls Out?

The loss of a dental filling isn’t the most pressing dental emergency, but it’s still important to contact your dentist as soon as possible to explain the situation, schedule an appointment, and receive instructions for handling the situation until then. If you can, locate the restoration and store it in a clean container for when you take it to your dentist’s office. It’s probably best to avoid chewing on the side of the mouth the filling was on and take special care when brushing and flossing around the affected tooth.

The loss of a filling can result in some discomfort, but you should be able to manage it with over-the-counter pain medication. When your appointment comes, your dentist will carefully evaluate your oral health to determine if your filling can be fixed back in the tooth or should be replaced altogether.

About the Practice

Healthy Smiles Dental Care provides excellent oral health services to the Chelsea community. Led by Steven Rodriguez, Alison Tseng, Hana Gadalla, and Brent Mueller, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys courteous care and genuine compassion in a warm and welcoming office. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry. If you have lost a dental filling, dial (734) 475-8911. To learn more about restorative dentistry, contact the office online.