Nothing lasts forever, and the same goes for tooth fillings. In one way or another, it will eventually fall out of your teeth. There are numerous reasons why this situation might happen, and when it does, it is important not to panic. We understand how uncomfortable it might be for your tooth filling to fall out. But like most dental emergencies, it is essential to be mindful of the necessary steps to care for your oral health. According to dentists, broken or cracked dental fillings are a common occurrence. So, what should one do if their tooth filling fell out? How long should you wait to get a new one? Read more to find ways on how you can deal with it.
What Happens When a Tooth Filling Falls Out?
If your tooth filling fell out, it is more likely from exposure of the tooth underneath the filling. In this case, deterioration is more likely to happen. At worst, it may result in a complete failure of your oral health.
Therefore, it is critical to deal with a missing filling regardless if you’re experiencing any discomfort or not. Doing so will also prevent long-term problems with your tooth.
Why Do Dental Fillings Fall Out?
According to experts, the average lifespan of a dental filling takes up to thirty years. However, a filling might fall out early for a variety of reasons. Aside from being worn out, other causes may include the following:
Cavity Around or Underneath the Filling
If you tend to eat many sugary or acidic meals, it might cause the seal between the tooth and the filling to break down. Once this barrier opens, decay-causing germs and other debris can build up under the filling itself. This situation causes deterioration and falling of the existing filling.
Response to Chemicals
A chemical reaction might also cause the bond between the tooth and the filling to break down. White fillings tend to shrink with time. This factor allows germs to enter the seal between the filling and the tooth.
Trauma at the Affected Tooth
Different sources of trauma can also lead to tooth filling falling off. These include accidents, facial injuries, and other dental restorations. Find out more.
Excessive Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
The tendency of grinding and clenching one’s teeth, usually when sleeping, is known as bruxism. This practice can cause dental restorations to become loose. If you grind your teeth a lot, your fillings may loosen up faster. Your dentist can examine your teeth to discover whether you have bruxism during a regular dental exam.
If signs of enamel wearing away is present, your dentist might suggest using an occlusal splint. This mouthguard is a specialised appliance that professional athletes commonly use.
Taking Crunchy, Sticky, or Hard Meals
These foods have the potential to loosen dental restorations. If you have dental fillings, avoid consuming them in large quantities. Increase your intake of low-sugar, low-acid meals.
Dental fillings are not supposed to last a lifetime. Sooner or later, they will fall out. When the time comes, you usually won’t feel any discomfort.
What Should I Do If My Filling Fell Out?
There are a few things you may do to safeguard the tooth and recover quickly:
Call Your Dentist As Soon As Possible
The first thing you need to do is reach out to your dental care provider as soon as possible. It is best to discuss your lost filling and whether it’s giving you any discomfort. You will be most likely to schedule an appointment for a new filling.
Protect Your Tooth
Sometimes, it could take several days to book an appointment with your dentist successfully. In the meantime, you should preserve your exposed tooth. This step is necessary to avoid further damages.
In simple ways such as gargling with salt water and rinsing out leftover food will help combat bacteria. It can also reduce the risks of inflammation, pain, and cavity. You can also go to your local drugstore for a temporary filling to avoid any unwanted substances getting under your exposed tooth.
Pain Treatment and Medications
If you are experiencing bothersome pain, you can use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. However, you should make sure not to exceed the daily dose as advised. You can also opt for natural healing by applying clove oil to the area. It contains an active component that has anti-inflammatory properties.
An ice pack might assist decrease swelling in the afflicted region. Place the ice pack over the area of concern for at least twenty minutes or until the pain subsides.
Get Emergency Dental Filling
Any event involving our oral health that necessitates immediate medical care and treatment is a dental emergency. While a tooth filling falling out might not be a life-threatening situation, it still requires urgent attention to avoid worsening the condition. In most cases, you can wait up to three days before having a treatment.
However, if no medicine or remedy can resolve the pain or if significant bleeding on your gums is present, it’s time to look for an emergency dental treatment.
Our emergency dentists in Perth are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to give immediate assistance for dental emergencies. We are pleased to provide you with high-quality dental care that no other dental providers can match. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at (08) 9783 9006 for more information.
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