Wondering why your filling fell out? Read on for more information about why tooth fillings occasionally fall out!

There’s nothing quite like the surprise and following shock when you realize your filling has fallen out of your tooth. There are several reasons this might happen, but first things first – don’t freak out! A simple call to our dental team will get you on your way to a healthy and happy mouth; you can always call us at 1-877-LANE-DDS.

Decay Around the Filling

When you get a filling, the surrounding decaying material should be removed from the tooth to make sure further deterioration in the tooth does not occur. However, if the tooth continues to decay in that same area or in a different spot that reaches the filling site, your filling will not have anything hard to hold onto and will fall out. This is the main reason fillings pop out of teeth, and one that is easily fixed with a trip to your dentist as soon as possible.

Debonded Filling

If your filling came out shortly after being placed, this could be the culprit. Occasionally, a chemical reaction will occur in the filling that causes it not to bond with your tooth, thus falling out in the days or weeks after being placed in your tooth. This is no fault of the dentist or you and is also easily fixable if you schedule an appointment.

Bad Habits

Do you grind your teeth? Do you chew ice? Clench your jaw while lifting weights? All of this pressure can be too much for the filling to handle, and the force of these repeated actions can cause that filling to pop right out. Try to be conscious of any bad habits and reduce their occurrence to avoid losing your fillings this way.

What Will Happen if I Don’t Repair My Missing Filling?

If your filling falls out and you don’t visit your dentist, you could experience pain, severe discomfort, increased sensitivity, and possibly even the loss of the tooth. While it’s not the end of the world if your filling falls out, it is important that you schedule an appointment with one of our dentists as soon as possible to avoid long-term problems with the tooth.

Are There Different Types of Fillings?

Yes! Your dentist may offer you an amalgam filling, which is silver in color, or a composite filling, which is tooth-colored. Depending on the location of your filling, you’ll want to opt for a composite filling if it will be visible. If your filling is in the back of your mouth, an amalgam filling could be a good option since it is a stronger material and will not show in your beautiful smile.

If you’re not sure which type of filling is right for you or have experienced the loss of a filling recently, call our office at 1-877-LANE-DDS or schedule an appointment here online. Here at Lane & Associates Family Dentistry, we love to make you smile. Let us help you get back to showing off those beautiful teeth again!