Help, My Filling Fell Out!

Dental fillings are one of the most well-known treatments in dentistry. Fillings are used in both children and adults to repair areas of decay within a tooth. While dental fillings are meant to last for several years without problems, they are not invincible. Whether your filling is nearing the end of its lifespan or you crunched down on something too hard at dinner, it is possible to lose your dental filling or have it fall out unexpectedly. Don’t worry; this is a common dental emergency and one that can be remedied easily and quickly in most cases.

Reasons for a Dislodged Filling

Modern composite tooth fillings are strongly bonded directly to the affected tooth. However, fillings can still fall out or become loose from a variety of reasons, including the following:

• Teeth grinding habit
• Bacteria accumulation into the margins of the filling
• Trauma/damage from biting down on something too hard
• Old filling that has outlived its lifespan

Why it Needs Replacement

It can be tempting to assume that since your cavity occurred years ago, your tooth does not need the filing any longer. This can be a big mistake. A lost filling always needs to be treated and restored. The structure of your tooth is compromised without the filling, so your tooth is left vulnerable to decay, fracture and infection. This can be more obvious when you feel sensitivity in your tooth without the filling.

An Emergency Dentist Near You

At Gainesville Dental Group, we want to know as soon as you lose or break your dental filling. To safeguard your smile and help you avoid future complications, we can replace your filling quickly. Our office offers emergency dental care for all ages, which includes tooth-colored composite fillings in one simple office visit.

Posted on behalf of Gainesville Dental Group