Lost Filling: How to Protect Your Tooth and Prevent Further Damage
A lost filling can be frustrating, but it’s important to address it quickly to prevent further damage to the tooth and avoid discomfort. Fillings are used to restore a tooth after decay, and when one falls out, the tooth is left vulnerable to further decay, infection, or sensitivity.
What Causes a Filling to Fall Out? Several factors can cause a filling to loosen or fall out:
- Wear and tear: Over time, fillings can weaken due to regular chewing and pressure.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism): Grinding your teeth, especially at night, can put excessive pressure on fillings, causing them to loosen or break.
- Decay around the filling: If there’s decay around the edges of the filling, it may cause the bond to weaken, leading to the filling falling out.
- Trauma: Accidental injury or biting down on something hard can dislodge a filling.
Signs You’ve Lost a Filling:
- Pain or sensitivity: You may experience sharp pain or sensitivity, especially when chewing or drinking hot, cold, or sweet beverages.
- Visible gap or hole: You may notice a hole or space where the filling used to be.
- Roughness or jagged edges: The exposed area of the tooth may feel sharp or rough against your tongue or when you eat.
- Discomfort while chewing: If the filling has come out, it may be harder to chew properly without discomfort.
What to Do If You Lose a Filling:
- Call your dentist immediately: Contact your dentist as soon as you notice the filling is missing. Early intervention can prevent further damage.
- Cover the exposed area: If the tooth is sensitive, you can use temporary dental filling material (available at pharmacies) to cover the exposed area until you can see the dentist.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side: To avoid further damage, chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
- Use pain relief if necessary: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any discomfort until your dental appointment.
Treatment for a Lost Filling:
- Filling replacement: The most common solution is to replace the lost filling with a new one made from materials such as composite resin or amalgam.
- Crown or inlay: If the tooth is more severely damaged or the cavity is large, a dental crown or inlay may be necessary to restore the tooth.
- Root canal treatment: If the decay reaches the tooth’s pulp (inner tissue), a root canal may be needed before placing a new filling.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How long will it take to replace a lost filling? Replacing a lost filling is a quick procedure, usually completed in one visit. More complex cases may require additional treatment.
- Can I wait to replace a lost filling? It’s important not to wait too long. Leaving the tooth exposed to bacteria can lead to further decay or infection.
- Is it painful to replace a filling? The procedure to replace a filling is typically painless, as it’s done under local anesthesia. Afterward, some mild discomfort may occur, but it’s usually temporary.
Protect Your Teeth from Future Damage
If you’ve lost a filling, don’t wait to get it treated. Schedule an appointment today to restore your tooth and keep your smile healthy.