Dental fillings are used to repair cavities, bringing your tooth back to its original shape and function. But can a filling fall out? The short answer is yes. While fillings are durable, they can sometimes loosen or even fall out completely.
This article will go over the common reasons why a filling can fall out, what you can do to prevent it, and what steps you should take if it happens to you.
Why do fillings fall out? Common causes
Fillings don’t last forever. Here are a few reasons why you might find yourself with a gap in your tooth where a filling used to be:
- Tooth decay around the filling. New cavities can form around a filling, weakening the bond between the filling and the tooth.
- Debonding of the filling. Over time, the filling material can separate from the tooth because of age, normal wear and tear, or even improper placement.
- Bad habits and trauma. Grinding your teeth (bruxism) puts a lot of pressure on your teeth and fillings. Night guards can help with bruxism. Chewing on hard objects can also damage fillings, as can a blow to the face during sports or an accident.
- Chemical reactions. Saliva and food acids can react with some filling materials, causing them to break down.
How do you know if a filling fell out?
You may experience:
- Sudden pain, especially when you chew or when the tooth is exposed to air.
- A crack or hole where the filling used to be.
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
- Food getting stuck in the area.
- Discoloration, meaning the tooth might look darker than usual.
What to do if a filling falls out
Okay, so a filling fell out. Now what? Here’s what to do right now:
- Call your dentist. You’ll need to get the tooth checked out and the filling replaced.
- Get some pain relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually do the trick. You can also try numbing gel or an ice pack.
- Protect the tooth. Rinse with warm salt water. You can buy temporary dental cement or wax at the drugstore to protect the area.
- Avoid irritating the area. Chew on the other side of your mouth, and stay away from hard, sticky, or sugary foods.
How to Keep Your Fillings Safe
You can prevent fillings from falling out by:
- Practicing good dental hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.
- Scheduling regular dental checkups: A dentist can spot problems and professionally clean your teeth.
- Avoiding habits that damage teeth: Bruxism (teeth grinding) and chewing on hard objects put stress on fillings.
- Eating a healthy diet: Sugary and acidic foods can erode enamel and filling material.
- Using a mouthguard: If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about getting a custom-fitted mouthguard.
Types of filling materials and how long they last
The material used for your filling will play a role in how long it lasts. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Amalgam fillings. These durable fillings can last for 10 to 15 years or even longer.
- Composite fillings. These tooth-colored fillings look great, but they typically only last for 5 to 7 years.
- Gold fillings. Gold fillings are very durable, but they’re also more expensive than other types of fillings.
- Porcelain fillings. Porcelain offers excellent aesthetics and good durability.
- Inlays/onlays. These can be made of porcelain or gold. They’re more conservative than a full crown.
What happens if you don’t replace a lost filling?
Quite a bit, actually. If you don’t get a lost filling replaced, you run the risk of:
- Increased decay. Bacteria can get into the newly exposed parts of your tooth.
- Tooth sensitivity and pain. The layer of your tooth under the enamel, called the dentin, is more sensitive to temperature and pressure.
- Tooth damage. The longer you wait, the more likely you’ll need a more invasive procedure, like a crown.
The Bottom Line
The best way to deal with a lost filling is to avoid losing one in the first place. Good oral hygiene, including regular checkups with your dentist, is key.
But if a filling does fall out, contact your dentist right away. Getting prompt dental care is important for your comfort and your long-term oral health.