You’re eating dinner and suddenly feel something hard in your mouth.
You look down and realize part of your tooth is missing.
Or maybe you wake up and discover that an old filling has come out.
Your first thought is usually:
“Can I just leave it alone?”
It’s understandable. If the tooth isn’t hurting, it can be tempting to put off calling the dentist, but a lost filling means something has happened, and it’s worth having it evaluated.
First, Don't Panic
A filling falling out doesn’t automatically mean you’ve lost the tooth. In fact, this is not often the case. Sometimes fillings fail, even when everything has been done the right way.
Other times, the tooth underneath or around the filling has changed. There may be new decay, a crack, weakened tooth structure, or another reason the filling could no longer stay in place.
The important part is figuring out why it came out, and this deserves a professional exam.
What Should You Do Right Away?
Keep the area clean
Brush normally, but be gentle around the tooth.
The goal is to keep it clean and avoid food becoming trapped in the space left by the filling, so the is important.
Avoid chewing on that side
Until you know how much tooth structure remains, it’s a good idea to avoid hard or sticky foods around the tooth.
A tooth that has already lost part of its structure may be more vulnerable to breaking.
Pay attention to sensitivity
Notice whether the tooth is sensitive to:
- Cold
- Heat
- Sweet foods
- Pressure
- Biting
Those details can actually help your dentist understand what’s happening when you get in the chair.
Call your dentist
Even if the tooth feels completely fine, it’s worth getting it checked.
Often times, dental problems don’t hurt immediately. And the longer you wait, the worse it can become. I don’t say this to scare you, this is just the way untreated dental issues typically progress.
Can You Put the Filling Back In?
If the filling has come out completely, PLEASE don’t try to glue it back in with household adhesive.
And don’t use random DIY dental products that can be purchased online as a substitute for an examination.
The filling may no longer fit correctly, and there may be a reason it came out in the first place.
Your dentist needs to look at the tooth and determine whether the original filling can be replaced or whether additional treatment is needed to preserve and protect your tooth.
Does a Lost Filling Always Need Another Filling?
Not necessarily, and as usual with these sorts of questions, it depends on your unique situation. A small filling may sometimes be replaced with another filling if appropriate.
However, if a large portion of the tooth is missing, repeatedly replacing a filling may not be the best long-term solution. A tooth that has already lost substantial structure may need a restoration designed to protect and reinforce it.
In other cases, there may be decay underneath the old filling or a crack that changes the treatment plan entirely.
The right answer depends on what’s left of the tooth, and your dentist will need to exam the tooth to determine the best treatment option for you.
Why Did My Filling Fall Out?
Sadly, fillings don’t last forever.
Over time, restorations can wear, fracture, leak, or separate from the tooth, and the tooth itself can also change.
For example, if a tooth has a large older filling, the remaining tooth structure may become more vulnerable to fractures. So a filling falling out isn’t always simply a matter of needing “the same filling again.
What If It Doesn't Hurt?
This is probably the biggest reason people delay seeking treatment after something has noticeably changed with the condition of their teeth.
No pain does not necessarily mean no problem.
And remember, if a filling has fallen out, part of the tooth is exposed to the environment that the filling was helping to protect it from.
You may feel fine today and have sensitivity or a broken tooth later.
Getting it looked at while the situation is relatively simple may give you more options and better outcomes.
The Bottom Line — Dr. Kakaris's Take
We don’t automatically just replace every old filling with a bigger restoration, so it’s crucial to have your tooth evaluated so your dentist can determine the best treatment based on your situation.
Is the tooth still strong?
Is there new decay?
Is the filling itself the problem?
Is the tooth cracked?
Does the tooth need a different type of restoration?
Sometimes the answer really is a new filling, but sometimes there are other options that will better protect your tooth.
After all, the goal is to treat the tooth, not simply replace whatever fell out.
Thanks for reading,
Dr. Arestea Kakaris, DDS
Dr. Arestea Kakaris has served the Downriver Michigan community with trustworthy care for over 45 years. She is committed to providing honest recommendations and advanced treatment for your dental health.
Whether you’re looking for answers to your dental questions, or you want an honest second opinion from dentists that have your best interest in mind, Dr. Arestea Kakaris and Dr. Alexander Kakaris Porter are ready when you are.
Call today to schedule your consultation (734) 676-1656.