When a filling comes away, it can be a surprising and frightening experience.
Dental fillings can fall out for a variety of reasons, including eating hard foods or simply because it has been a long time since you had it. Or, even worse, dental decay could be to blame.
If your filling fell out of tooth, you must do everything necessary to restore your tooth as soon as possible before it becomes a significant dental issue.
What can you do? Let’s find everything about it.
Table of Contents
How Long Do Fillings Last?
How long does a filling last? Well, it depends on the filling material used and your personal oral hygiene.
Fillings are more likely to last longer if you are careful in maintaining your teeth and gums in good repair and see your dentist for frequent exams. The size and position of a filling also impact its lifetime.
The following are some general timelines for various filler materials:
- Amalgam Fillings – 5 to 25 years
- Composite Fillings – 5 to 15 years
- Gold Fillings – 15 to 30 years
What Initial Steps You Need to Take If Your Tooth Filling Fell Out?
If your tooth filling fell out, it’s critical to take immediate actions to prevent any tooth infection or even its decay. Here’s what you should do:
Make An Appointment With Your Dentist
Make an appointment with your dentist ASAP. If you’re in pain, let the dentist know. If you can’t be seen straight away, ask for advice on how to keep your exposed teeth safe. Keep the filling until the dentist decides if it may be reused.
Maintain Your Dental Hygiene
Maintain your dental hygiene practices to protect the tooth. Brush the area where the filling came out softly. Chewing on the exposed tooth should also be avoided.
What’s more? Many experts from the best dentist hospitals near you suggest keeping the area clean and eliminate any food debris from the tooth by gargling with salt water.
How? In a cup of warm water, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt. For a few seconds, gargle. This can assist in the killing of microorganisms that could harm your exposed tooth.
Use Temporary Filling Material to Protect Your Tooth
Your major priority until you can see a dentist is protecting your teeth. Right? One option is to cover the opening with dental wax, which might act as a temporary barrier. Dental wax is available at most drug shops and can be obtained from many dentist offices.
BUT REMEMBER! This option is intended to be temporary, allowing you to seal and preserve your teeth until you can see your dentist.
What to Do to Help With Pain or Sensitivity?
When a filling falls out, the nerves inside your tooth may become exposed causing sensitivity and making eating and drinking extremely uncomfortable.
Also, when you’re waiting for your dentist appointment, your pain might range from a subtle throbbing to a searing sting, and having quick relief is critical.
You can help deal with pain/sensitivity when your filling fell out of tooth in the following ways:
Use Clove Oil
Clove oil, which can be purchased at most medicine stores, can be applied to your teeth with a cotton swab. This will numb your tooth and make it less painful.
Avoid Certain Foods
If you’re concerned about tooth sensitivity, you can avoid particular meals or chew on the side that isn’t affected. Some foods can exacerbate tooth decay and possibly cause pain.
Examples of this sort of food are:
- Sweet foods and beverages
- Hard foods
- Extremely hot or cold foods
- Acidic foods and drinks
Wrapping up the initial steps to take when your tooth filling fell out!!
According to the top reviewed dentist in Islamabad, Dr. Tashfeen khattak “Keep an eye on your tooth’s condition and take precautions to avoid more damage until you can see your dentist. It is especially important when your filling has fallen out due to tooth decay.”
If this is the case, your dentist may suggest a more comprehensive treatment plan, such as extracting the tooth or performing a root canal procedure.
What to Expect at Your Dental Appointment?
To identify your best option, your dentist will inspect and X-ray your tooth. Here are three possibilities for him to consider:
1- You May Get A New Filling
You may need another filling if your dentist believes your tooth can be healed. Dental fillings come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
You may have the option of an amalgam (silver) filling or a composite and glass ionomer (tooth-colored) substance depending on the type of tooth.
- A composite and glass ionomer filling is the greatest aesthetic solution for a front tooth.
- Because your rear teeth do the most work (a lot of chewing), your dentist may recommend amalgam fillings because they are more durable and last longer.
2- You May Need A Root Canal
Your dentist will refer you to a specialist for a root canal treatment if there is a deep cavity or exposure to the tooth’s nerve.
3- You May Need A Tooth Extraction
In some cases, the loss of a filling is so serious that extraction is the only alternative. If this occurs, your oral surgeon and dentist will recommend a treatment plan that includes a fixed or removable bridge or a dental implant to replace your tooth.
How to Prevent A Filling Coming Out of Tooth?
The key to keeping a filling from coming loose is to maintain proper oral hygiene and visit the dentist on a regular basis.
Oral Hygiene Suggestions to Prevent Filling Fell Out of Tooth
Here are some oral hygiene suggestions:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste
- Every day, floss your teeth
- Every 3 to 4 months, replace your toothbrush
- To get rid of bacteria and freshen your breath, brush your tongue
Furthermore, regular dental checkups, at least once every six months, can help detect any possible difficulties with a filling before your tooth filling falls out or creates other issues. Your dentist will be able to tell if it is worn and needs to be replaced.
To get consultations about your dental fillings, you can make an appointment with the best dentists near you via Healthwire.pk.
Other Precautions to Prevent Filling Fell Out of Tooth
Other precautions to take to protect your filling include the following:
- Do not grind your teeth.There are treatments available if this is a problem, particularly if you grind your teeth while sleeping. Wearing a mouth guard or splint is one possibility.
- Stop chewing hard items. Ice is an example.
- Avoid Biting into hard things. For example, nutshells, hard confectionery, or toasted bagels.
- Don’t consume sticky and sweet meals. These can adhere to your teeth, dislodge fillings, and raise your risk of dental decay.
The Bottom Line!
Fillings can last a long period with proper dental hygiene, but not indefinitely.
If your tooth filling fell out, make an appointment with your dentist right away. Too long between filling replacements might lead to tooth deterioration and other issues. Keep the affected area clean until you can visit your dentist, and avoid eating or chewing on it.
