Dental fillings are malleable pieces of composite material that fill in holes left by pockets of bacteria and decay. In order to stop this decay from spreading further, a dentist will carve out the infected part of the tooth and fill the hollow area with a material that looks and acts just like a natural tooth. Fillings can last for many years, but on occasion, certain circumstances can cause them to fall out. But what if my dental filling falls out?
What if My Dental Filling Falls Out?
Today, experts from your local Upland dental office will answer the pressing question: “What if my dental filling falls out?” Learn what to do if and when this occurs and get in touch with our friendly team to secure proper treatment for a future of good oral health.
About Dental Fillings
Fillings can be made of a variety of different materials, from composite resin to silver amalgam. You can have a conversation with your dentist about the type of material that works best for your physical and aesthetic needs. The filling procedure is quick and typically painless as topical anesthesia will be applied.
If you grind your teeth constantly, suffer a dental injury, or have an underlying medical problem, you may notice your dental fillings suddenly falling out. If you have opted for a porcelain or gold inlay, it is vital that you get in touch with your dentist right away for a restorative dentistry appointment. Those with composite fillings should also contact their dentist right away, although it is okay if you need to wait a few days for the next appointment.
Why Did My Filling Fall Out?
Again, there can be a number of reasons why your filling might have fallen out of your mouth. It might simply be so old that it is starting to degrade, or perhaps a physical motion caused the material to shake loose. Some of the most common reasons for losing tooth fillings include:
- Physical trauma to the root of the tooth or to multiple teeth
- New forms of decay building up around the cavity site
- Extreme bruxism – grinding teeth on a daily or nightly basis
- Chewing or biting too hard
There are even natural factors that can contribute to the disintegration of your fillings over time. For example, saliva can slowly wear down certain materials until they erode. The foods you eat and the way you eat can also have a large impact on your fillings. Whether or not you can relate to these causes, you should know what exactly to do when you notice a missing filling.
What to Do At Home Before Your Appointment
Once you have scheduled an appointment to visit your dentist so you can repair the harm caused by your missing filling, you can follow a few simple steps at home to keep your mouth in good health. One popular suggestion is to gargle with warm saltwater (about ½ teaspoon of salt per cup of water) and rinse, as this will wash out any bacteria or decay trying to build up in the cavity area.
Gently brush your teeth, but do not scrub hard. It is important to keep the area clean while you wait for a repair, but you do not want to damage it further. Avoid chewing, biting, and grinding on that part of your tooth as much as you can.
Get New Fillings in Upland Today
Whether or not you have a filling that has fallen out, it is a good idea to treat any risk of tooth decay right away. Visit our local office to learn about porcelain, silver, and composite dental fillings so you can determine what type of filling works best for you. We work hard to provide dental solutions that are long-lasting and support good dental health. Get in touch with us today to learn more about your fillings options and prevent the signs of growing decay ASAP.