Many people come to the dentist with the issue, “My filling fell out, but it doesn’t hurt.”
You might panic when your filling falls out. But there’s no need to worry if your affected tooth does not hurt. Still, no pain does not mean you should neglect the issue. Waste no time seeing your dentist; otherwise, you’ll have to face additional dental problems. In this blog, we’ll tell you what to do when your filling falls off.
Reasons Why Your Filling Fell Out
Your dentist recommends tooth filling when decay or damage leaves a hole in your tooth. It could be that your filling came out when flossing, eating, etc. Many times, you might not notice the filling fell out because your tooth doesn’t hurt. Hence, you might notice it after running your tooth over the tooth and feeling a space or a dent.
Your filling could fall out due to many reasons, including the following:
- Aggressive brushing or flossing
- Plaque buildup on the corners of dental filling
- Wear and tear of tooth
- Teeth grinding
- An injury to the tooth or its root
Is it Dangerous if My Filling Fell Out but Doesn’t Hurt?
While it’s not the most urgent dental emergency, you’ll still require medical attention immediately. This is because a loose filling exposes your tooth, which can leave it vulnerable to decay. As a result, food particles, bacteria, and more can invade the exposed tooth hole. Eventually, the affected tooth might decay. Moreover, the dentin layer of your tooth might get invaded by tooth decay.
The decay might reach your tooth’s root if you leave the issue unnoticed. Therefore, your tooth might crack and get an infection. In this condition, you will require a root canal procedure to remove the infection. And if the case is severe, tooth extraction might be the only way to avoid additional dental issues. Thus, visit your dentist immediately if your filling falls out, even if it doesn’t hurt.
What to Do if a Filling Falls Out?
If your filling fell out and it doesn’t hurt, visit your dentist. It’s possible that the appointment might take place. In this situation, ask your dentist what to do. They might recommend you do the following:
- Don’t get rid of the fallen piece of filling. The dentist might be able to reattach it.
- Make a saltwater solution to rinse your mouth. Doing so will help remove any food particles and bacteria from the affected tooth. Moreover, it will keep the tooth clean and safe by killing harmful bacteria.
- Keep your mouth clean, which includes gently brushing the teeth
- Use dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover the hole. This could help if the space is bothering you. Furthermore, chipped filling might have sharp edges that could cut your tongue or cheek — covering it could prevent any harm.
- Refrain from chewing on the affected tooth.
- Ask your doctor for recommended medications if you’re experiencing pain or discomfort.
What’s Next?
You’ll need to visit your dentist if your filling fell out, even if it does not hurt. Otherwise, you can face a host of additional dental problems. Brenham Family Dental can help you manage your oral health. Therefore, visit our dental clinic at 2001 S Market St, Brenham, TX 77833, United States. You can also ring us at (979) 421-9685 to schedule an appointment.