Dental fillings are a common way to treat cavities and other minor damage to the teeth. They are usually made of composite resin or metal and are meant to last many years. However, sometimes fillings can fall out. This can be due to poor bonding, tooth damage, or other factors. If a filling falls out, it’s important to see a dentist right away so that it can be replaced. Otherwise, there is a risk of further tooth damage and decay.
Why do fillings fall out?
Dental fillings are meant to last long, but sometimes they fall out. There are a few reasons why this might happen.
- One reason is that the filling wasn’t bonded well to the tooth in the first place.
- Another reason might be that the tooth has been damaged and is no longer strong enough to support the filling.
- A loose filling can also occur if the tooth underneath the filling has decayed.
If a filling falls out, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible to have it replaced. Otherwise, there is a risk of further tooth damage and decay.
Why a Filling May Come Loose
A dental filling may come loose for a few reasons:
- The original bonding between the filling and tooth wasn’t strong enough.
- The tooth has been damaged, weakening it and unable to support the filling.
- The tooth under the filling has decayed, causing the filling to become loose.
If you have a loose filling, you must see your dentist as soon as possible. A loose filling can lead to further tooth damage and decay if not replaced.
What to Do if a Filling Falls Out
If you have a loose or fallen out filling, it’s essential to see your dentist immediately. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to protect your tooth:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out.
- Use dental floss to remove any food particles stuck around the tooth.
- Place a piece of sugarless gum into the space where the filling was. This will help to keep food and bacteria out of the tooth.
- Find the fallen-out filling and bring it to your dentist appointment.
What Not to Do if a Filling Falls Out
There are a few things you should avoid doing if you have a loose or fallen out filling:
- Do not use super or any other type of glue to reattach the filling. This can be dangerous, and it’s not likely to work anyway.
- Do not try to cover the tooth with a piece of candy or food. This will only make the problem worse.
- Do not wait too long to see your dentist. The longer you wait, the greater the risk of further tooth damage and decay.
Getting a New Filling If your filling has come loose or fallen out, your dentist will need to examine the tooth and determine the best way to fix it. In some cases, the tooth may just need to be cleaned, and a new filling placed. If the tooth is damaged or has decayed, your dentist may need to do a more extensive repair.
How to Prevent Lost Fillings
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your fillings from coming loose:
- See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. This will allow your dentist to catch any problems early on.
- Brush and floss your teeth every day. This will help to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth.
- Avoid chewing hard foods or ice. These can damage your teeth and make them more likely to decay.
- If you have a history of lost fillings, be sure to tell your dentist. They may recommend a different type of filling or a different way to bond it to your tooth.
Dental fillings are meant to last for a long time, but sometimes they fall out.
