So you went to the dentist, found out you had a cavity and got the issue all taken care of with a filling. Good job for looking after your dental health! But uh oh, now you’ve noticed that your filling has fallen out. First off, don’t worry! Unfortunately, no filling can last forever. There are a few different reasons why you might lose a filling, but most importantly, it’s easy to fix.
Reasons Why a Filling Would Fall Out
A dental filling never falls out just because. There’s always a reason! Here are some of the most common situations that could lead to your filling falling out:
- You developed decay around the filling or have a cavity underneath the filling that prevented it from resting on a stable surface and staying in place.
- You were chewing something hard and it dislodged the filling.
- You have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, and doing so breaks the filling.
- You recently got the filling and the bonding didn’t set properly.
What to Do
The first step if you think your filling has fallen out is easy: contact your dentist! They’ll bring you in, take a look, and determine what treatment if any is necessary. It’s best to reach out as soon as you notice something might be off so that further problems don’t develop because of the exposed area.
Until you go into your dentist’s office, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to alleviate any discomfort, and you should take care when chewing and eating to keep food away from that area.
How to Prevent a Filling from Falling Out
To stop your filling from falling out again (or in the first place), make sure you practice good oral hygiene habits. That means brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and keeping up with your regular dentist visits. You want to keep the area clean of decay so it doesn’t affect its longevity.
Seeing your dentist allows them to keep an eye on whether any developing decay might affect your filling, and whether or not it’s time for your filling to be replaced. They can also walk you through the best techniques for brushing to keep your teeth healthy and squeaky clean.
We Are Here to Help!
If you think your filling is gone and you need a dental professional to take a look, our team at one of our many Smiles Dental locations can provide the high-quality treatment you need. Contact us at 888-552-6957 so you can be taken care of as soon as possible.
Discover the Smiles Dental difference today!
Are you ready for the happy, healthy smile of your dreams? When you choose Smiles Dental Services, you’re putting your smile in the hands of highly-trained professionals you can trust. Above all, we provide our patients with leading-edge dentistry that goes above and beyond.