If you’ve ever had a cavity, you have fillings. They are sturdy structures that protect the teeth from further decay. Over a lifetime, however, it is possible to lose a filling.

Fillings Can Fall Out for a Number of Reasons

If a tooth continues to decay beyond the filling, it may become loose. They may also fall out if you eat hard or chewy foods. Even an injury to your mouth can result in losing a filling. No matter the reason, it can be stressful when this happens. The first thing we’d like you to remember is not to panic. This is not usually a dental emergency, although it will likely cause heightened sensitivity when you eat or drink certain foods. Here are a few things we’d like you to keep in mind if a filling falls out.

• Call us when your filling becomes loose or falls out. It’s important that we repair it as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your tooth.
• If you have heightened sensitivity or pain, over-the-counter pain medications can help.
• Avoid eating foods that might aggravate pain or do further damage. Soft foods and foods that aren’t too hot, cold, or acidic are preferable until you get the filling repaired.
• Practice good dental hygiene until your appointment. Keeping the area around the tooth clean will be very important to prevent further decay or infection.

If you have questions or concerns about old fillings, let us know. Also, please call us if you have new or worsening dental pain, as this could be a sign of a damaged tooth.

To give your fillings a long lifetime, practice good dental health habits and make sure you’re coming to see us regularly! We will be sure to check for any weak spots in old fillings to prevent future problems.