Why Did My Filling Fall Out?
The feeling of chewing a filling out after a cavity treatment is more painful than the treatment itself. Often, people sense a foreign object in their mouths in the middle of the meal and realize that the odd thing in their mouth is the product of their last dental visit! Today we’re going to talk about why fillings fall out and what to do about it.
Cavity treatments
When a patient has a cavity, treatment generally consists of fillings available in gold, silver amalgam, porcelain, and composite resin. Afterward, the repaired tooth rejoins the ranks of the working teeth and can contribute to talking, chewing, etc., once more. But, if the filling falls out again, the tooth becomes vulnerable and exposed.
Causes of a lost tooth filling
Several reasons cause the restoration to lose grip and dissolve. They are universal, and with little care, some can be avoided.
Debonded Filling
Chemical reactions in the restored tooth sometimes separate the fresh filling from the natural teeth and cause it to fall out. The dentist is not responsible for such reactions as certain foods or flossing methods can weaken the bond and cause it to dissolve. Identifying such foods and avoiding them can prove helpful.
Decay around the Restored Tooth
The filling requires a strong base to firmly attach to, and a weak base can cause it to fall out. When restored teeth suffer additional decay around the filling, or there is trauma to the wall of tooth filling, it’s possible to damage the tooth surfaces surrounding the filling material, which can, in turn, cause the filling bond to weaken and the filling to fall out.
Hard Chewing/ Crunchy Foods
Eating crunchy food can dislodge a filling, or put stress on the restored tooth to the extent that material setting weakens. Precautions should be taken after having a cavity filled, and such foods should be avoided.
Grinding or Clenching
Grinding teeth is a habit people develop unknowingly in moments of stress and anxiety. Putting undue pressure on teeth causes loss of restored tooth material, but can also cause jaw issues and stress fractures in teeth.
How to Deal With It?
A lost filling is a dental emergency and should be treated as such.
Following are the steps that should be taken when facing this specific tooth emergency-
Book an appointment with your dentist and explain your exact condition. Request an urgent appointment. Your dentist may tell you to take over the counter pain-relieving medicine.
Clean the exposed spot with saltwater and avoid chewing food using that tooth.
Retain the filling if it’s not discarded and carry it to the dentist. Sometimes, your dentist will want to see previously filled material or reuse a crown if it’s in good shape.
Keep the surrounding area of the decayed tooth clean to avoid further deterioration.
Following these recommendations can ease the pain temporarily and buy you time before the visit to the doctor.
Oral health is a significant factor in health and happiness in one’s life. Regular oral care and checkups will help prevent problems, catch small problems early, and keep your smile beautiful!
If you need a gentle, caring dental team, please call our office at (623) 362-2550. We’ll give you the very best dental care we can!
