Your tooth filling fell out? It may have come off when you were brushing your teeth or enjoying a wonderful dinner. A dental filling falling out is not rare, regardless of how it happened. However, it is the subsequent activities that are significant.
As a result, even if your filling slipped out without causing any difficulty, you will need to get it replaced. Any delay in filling an exposed tooth could have major dental consequences.
Continue reading to learn more about fillings that have fallen out of a tooth and what to do in this situation.
What to Do If Your Filling Falls Out?
If you discover that your filling has come out of your tooth, respond quickly. When a filling falls out, the first thing you should do is make sure it comes out with the crown so you don't chew on it and damage another tooth before visiting the dentist. Chewing on a filling can harm your teeth and almost likely cause pain.
Next, phone your dentist's office and explain what happened. Follow their instructions until they schedule an emergency appointment so that your dental filling can be changed on time.
What Caused Your Filling to Fall Out?
Your dental filling usually lasts for several years or even decades. However, there are a few cases where a tooth filling falls out. There are various reasons why this happens, including:
- There is new degradation surrounding the infill.
- You are chewing too hard, causing significant pressure that can loosen the filling over time.
- A chemical reaction occurs, causing the tooth filling's bonds to weaken.
- A damaged or cracked tooth may put pressure on a filling, causing it to fall out.
- Bruxism, often known as tooth grinding, can cause a filling to come out.
- Not taking proper care of your teeth, not visiting the dentist regularly, and not having your teeth cleaned regularly all increase the risk of fillings falling out.
Is It Dangerous If Your Filling Fell Out but Doesn't Hurt?
If your filling falls out of your tooth and you are not in pain, there is no need to panic. There may be no immediate effect, but you should not disregard it. This is because your tooth becomes prone to deterioration as a result of your filling falling out. As a result, food particles, bacteria, and other pollutants may enter the open tooth hole. The affected tooth may gradually degenerate. Furthermore, tooth decay can infiltrate the dentin layer of your teeth. If the situation worsens, you may need to remove the tooth by extraction to avoid dental problems. If the dental filling slips out, you should see your dentist right away.
What to Do If You're in Pain in Case Your Tooth Filling Falls Out?
When a dental filling slips out, you may experience pain. The following are some of the solutions you can take before going to the dentist:
- Apply a numbing agent, which is typically used as an ointment to relieve oral pain.
- If the tooth hurts, try an over-the-counter pain treatment like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Clove oil should be administered to the affected area. Eugenol, an active chemical found in cloves, has anti-inflammatory and numbing properties that can help reduce discomfort after fillings fall out.
- In the event of swelling, wrap an ice pack in a cloth and place it on the swollen area for at least 20 minutes. An ice pack could help to reduce swelling.
How Long Can You Wait If a Filling Falls Out?
If you experience little pain as a result of a tooth filling dropping out, you may not require immediate treatment. You may wait up to three days or even a week before seeking therapy. However, it is usually best to see your dentist as soon as possible because leaving the damaged filling untreated exposes the tooth to bacteria, which leads to more deterioration.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Filling That Fell Out?
The cost of replacing a fallen-out tooth filling varies according to the type of filling. The following are the pricing for dental fillings:
- $90 to $300 per tooth for composite fillings
- $90 to $300 per tooth for glass ionomer fillings
- $50 to $200 per tooth for silver amalgam fillings
- $500 to $4500 per tooth for gold fillings
Get Your Filling Replaced
Don't relax if your filling falls out without pain. Although it may not be uncomfortable, leaving your teeth exposed could have serious effects. Although you might be able to wait a few days for an appointment, seeing a dentist as soon as possible is critical.
