Have you ever had to deal with a dental filling slipping out of your tooth and landing right on your tongue? Perhaps it fell out when you were brushing your teeth or eating a delicious meal. No matter how it happened, a fallen-out filling isn’t that uncommon. However, it’s the steps you take after that are truly important.
Thus, if your filling fell out, but it doesn’t hurt, you will still need to get it replaced. Waiting for a long time and leaving your tooth exposed can lead to severe dental consequences.
Factors That Can Cause Your Filling To Fall Out
Dental fillings are bonded and cured with extreme care. This means that it might not be as easy to get them out once they are set. Only an injury or general wear and tear can truly affect the longevity of the filling. Nonetheless, here are some factors that can cause your filling to loosen up and fall out:
- Plaque buildup
- Brushing your teeth with too much vigor
- Grinding teeth against each other
- Tightly clenching your jaw
- Facial trauma or injury to the tooth
- Chewing with too much force
- Carelessly flossing between the tooth and the filling
- The filling has deteriorated over time
My Filling Fell Out, But It Doesn’t Hurt — Should I Be Worried?
Technically, a filling falling from its place is a cause for concern. However, it mainly depends on what caused it to slip out in the first place. For instance, if it has been years since you got your dental filling, then it might have loosened up over time. In contrast, if you recently got your filling and it still gave away, then it is best to get it looked at immediately. Even if it doesn’t hurt, proper treatment is necessary to prevent your tooth from decaying any further.
How Long Can I Wait After A Filling Falls Out?
As tempting as it may be to brush the entire matter away, do not make the mistake of doing so. It is not wise to wait after losing a dental filling. If anything, you should visit your dentist immediately to get the filling replaced and restored.
However, if your tooth doesn’t hurt at all, you can give it a week at most. But avoid delaying it further than that, as it could cause the bacteria to spread to the surrounding teeth, leading to serious damage and decay. This can make it really difficult to treat the cavity altogether and could possibly result in tooth loss.
Steps To Take If Your Filling Fell Out
If your dental filling fell out, but there’s no pain, take that as a good sign. It simply means that your oral health is in good shape, and you can wait for a few days before scheduling an appointment with your dentist. Regardless of the outcome, make sure to follow the steps mentioned below to ensure your tooth does not waste away.
- Schedule a visit to the dentist
- Use a saltwater mouth rinse to swish around your mouth.
- Avoid using the exposed tooth. This includes biting or chewing from the affected area.
- Apply dental wax to help soothe the surface area.
- Brush your teeth with utmost care and attention.
- Take over-the-counter pain-relieving medications.
Get Your Filling Replaced, Today!
If your filling recently fell out, but it doesn’t hurt, don’t be fooled. It might not be as severe, but leaving your tooth vulnerable can have adverse effects. You may be able to wait a few days for an appointment, but it’s best to consult with a dentist as soon as you can. Contact AK Dental today to determine the best course of action. You can reach out to us by phone at (512) 653-3008 or drop by our dental clinic at 7010 State Hwy 71, Austin, TX 78735, United States.