Oh no! Your tooth filling fell out! First of all, don’t panic. Although we know it can be startling to suddenly feel a filling loosen or fall out as you’re eating, flossing, or brushing your teeth, this situation is rarely an emergency. Your dentist will be able to quickly remedy the situation. In the meantime, follow the tips below.
What to Do If Your Tooth Filling Fell Out
It’s important that you act quickly if you notice that your filling has fallen out. The interior surface of the tooth will be exposed to bacteria and food particles, and this could lead to decay or an infection. Plus, it’s an odd sensation to be missing part of your tooth, and you may notice unpleasant side effects like sensitivity or even pain. Use the following tips to prevent further damage and discomfort:
- Remove the filling. Remove the filling from your mouth so that you don’t accidentally swallow it or chew down on it.
- Call your dentist’s office. Let them know what has happened, and listen to their instructions carefully. They will likely mention some of the tips below, and they will schedule an emergency appointment for you so that you can have the filling replaced as soon as possible.
- Gently brush your teeth. Keep your mouth clean as you wait for your dental appointment. Brush gently around the affected area, especially if it feels sensitive or painful. Rinse with warm salt water or mouthwash.
- Use dental wax to fill the void. If the tooth is bothering you and your dental appointment isn’t imminent, you can purchase dental wax at a pharmacy and mold it against the tooth to fill the void. This will prevent food particles and other bacteria from entering the space and ensure that the tooth doesn’t scratch your gums.
- Take a pain reliever. If you’re experiencing discomfort, take a pain reliever like Tylenol or ibuprofen.
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth. To keep food away from the exposed spot, avoid chewing on it.
Why Did My Tooth Filling Fall Out?
You might be wondering why your filling fell out in the first place. Did you do something wrong? Should you change your dental habits in the future? Typically, no. Fillings fall out for a variety of reasons, most having to do with inevitable, long-term oral changes:
- Chewing produces a great deal of pressure, which can loosen fillings over time.
- Saliva may loosen the bonding of the filling over time.
- Developing decay in the surrounding area may cause a filling to fall out.
- Biting on something hard can loosen a filling.
- Bruxism (teeth grinding) can cause a filling to fall out.
To keep your fillings intact, maintain a good oral health routine, visit your dentist regularly, and avoid biting on hard objects, like ice, nuts, pencils, and hard candy.
Having a tooth filling fall out can be stressful if you’ve recently moved to a new area and haven’t found a new dentist. If you’re looking for an experienced, reliable, and friendly dentist near Springfield, Missouri, contact Wilkinson Dental. Dr. Wilkinson and his team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. For exceptional and comprehensive dental care, schedule your first appointment today by calling 417-708-0556 or requesting an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!