Why Can a Filling Fall Out?
Several different causes can lead to a filling falling out. The most common ones are:
- Material Wear – In very old fillings, the material wears down over time, which can result in the filling falling out.
- Decay Under the Filling – In this case, decay develops almost invisibly and weakens the bond between the tooth and the filling.
- Excessive Pressure on the Tooth – In cases of an improper bite or when multiple teeth are missing, some teeth may endure more pressure than they should. This can lead to material fatigue and the filling falling out.
- Poor Bonding of the Filling to the Tooth – If a filling falls out soon after placement, it is likely due to inadequate bonding of the material to the tooth.
What to Do If a Filling Falls Out?
First of all, don’t panic. In most cases, this is not an emergency. What you should do is contact your dentist and schedule an appointment to restore the tooth. Since this situation is not urgent, if you need to wait a few days or even weeks for your appointment, your tooth will not suffer any serious damage in the meantime.
During this time, make sure to maintain thorough oral hygiene to prevent food from getting trapped in the cavity. Also, avoid eating very hard foods (such as nuts, popcorn, and hard candies) on that side. However, you should not ignore the loss of a filling, as this condition can eventually lead to deeper decay or nerve inflammation.
Can Losing a Filling Cause Pain?
If the tooth is healthy, losing a filling usually does not cause pain. It is normal to experience sensitivity to cold or sweet foods, and this is not necessarily a bad sign. However, if the tooth starts to hurt on its own, this becomes an urgent matter, and you should see your dentist as soon as possible.
What If a Filling Keeps Falling Out?
If you have a tooth with a filling that frequently falls out, alternative solutions should be considered. This often happens due to an improper bite or when the filling is very large. Poor-quality material could also be a contributing factor. In such cases, it may be necessary to use higher-quality filling materials or opt for a ceramic crown to restore the tooth.
