What If My Cavity Filling Falls Out?

Dental fillings are needed to replace missing tooth tissue that’s lost because of a cavity. As your dentist cleans the infection, the tooth is left with a hole that can expose that needs to be filled to help preserve the full function and strength of the tooth.

Fillings are made from different materials, such as amalgam or composite. While they are strong, it is possible to chip or even break the material over time, leaving the tooth exposed again. If your dental filling broke and even fell off, you should book an appointment right away to get it replaced.

Why Do Fillings Fall?

Many things can lead to a filling loss. If your dental filling is very old, the wear and tear over the years likely weakened the material, and the filling eventually fell out of the cavity it was meant to protect.

However, there can be other possible explanations:

• Not brushing your teeth correctly, or often enough
• New tooth decay forming below the filling
• Not removing all bacteria from your mouth, such as by brushing the tongue or using dental floss
• Chewing on hard objects like pen caps, ice, or eating hard foods
• Not seeing the dentist regularly to keep your dental health in check
  

What to Do If Your Dental Filling Falls Out

If you notice your dental filling has partially or fully fallen, you should see a dentist right away to get it checked. In some cases, you might just need a new filling, but the dentist needs to see if the tooth is healthy before they can do that.

You might have a new cavity forming or the tooth itself might have cracked, which leads to the cavity falling out. The dentist will recommend the best treatment plan based on a consultation.

In the meantime, you can follow these tips to care for your tooth until you can make your appointment:

• Take over-the-counter pain medication if the tooth hurts or the area is swollen;
• Eat on the other side to avoid chewing with the affected tooth;
• Gently cleanse the mouth with saline water or mouthwash, as brushing directly over the affected tooth might be painful;
• If you notice the tooth is getting worse, puss is coming out or the pain is increasing, opt for emergency dental services to get someone to look at it right away

Come to Vivid Smiles to Get Your Filling Replaced

If your cavity filling fell out, the Vivid Smiles team is here to take a look and replace it. Our expert dental services include everything you need to take care of your long-term dental health, including emergency dental services if your cavity can’t wait until its next appointment.

Book a consultation with Dr. Roshini Durga Paruchuri or Dr. Nilanchal Sahaior, or call our office at (812) 803-2340 now to find out more about how we can help.