My Tooth Filling Fell Out – What Should I Do Next?

3rd Aug 2025

My Tooth Filling Fell Out – What Should I Do Next?

It can be quite a surprise when a tooth filling falls out. You may feel it while eating or suddenly notice a gap with your tongue. 

Either way, it’s not something to ignore. Your filling may have protected your tooth for years, but now that it’s gone, you’re left with an exposed area. This can be painful and risky if not treated quickly. 

So, what should you do next? Don’t worry—we’re here to walk you through every step.

First Things First – Stay Calm and Check What Happened

Our general dentists understand how unsettling it can feel. But the first thing you need to do is stay calm. Losing a filling isn’t uncommon. It doesn’t always mean your tooth is damaged beyond repair.

Check the area gently with your tongue or clean fingers. Try to find the fallen filling. If you still have it, keep it in a clean container and bring it to your dentist. It might help during your visit.

You might notice some pain, especially when air or food touches the area. That’s because the exposed part of the tooth is now sensitive. The inside part of your tooth has no protection. That’s why even a simple sip of water can feel painful.

Why Fillings Fall Out in the First Place?

Now you may be wondering why this happened. Let’s look at a few common reasons.

Sometimes, a filling just gets old. Over time, constant chewing and grinding can wear it down. If you grind your teeth at night or eat very hard foods often, that could have played a role.

Tooth decay can also cause this. If new decay has formed under or around the filling, it weakens the structure. In that case, the filling won’t have anything solid to hold on to.

There’s also the possibility of pressure. If you bit down on something hard, it might have been too much for the filling. Even a sudden injury to your face can knock it loose.

What You Can Do at Home – Temporary Steps

We always suggest seeing a dentist as soon as possible. But until then, there are a few simple things you can do at home.

First, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. It helps to keep the area clean and lowers the chance of infection. Avoid using mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as they may irritate the exposed tooth.

You can use dental wax or over-the-counter dental cement from a pharmacy. This will act as a temporary cover. But don’t rely on it for long. It’s just to protect the tooth until you get professional help.

Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Stick to soft foods like yoghurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies. Stay away from anything crunchy, sticky, or too hot or cold. The exposed tooth will be very sensitive.

If you feel pain, an over-the-counter pain reliever like paracetamol can help. Just make sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label.

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Seeing a Dentist?

We understand that life gets busy. But this is not something you should put off. That gap in your tooth isn’t just uncomfortable. It’s an open invitation for bacteria.

Without a filling, food particles and plaque can build up inside the exposed area. If you leave it untreated, it can lead to decay. Later, it might even reach the nerve of your tooth. This can cause infection, severe pain, and sometimes lead to root canal treatment or even extraction.

If you act early, your dentist can often refill the tooth easily. The longer you wait, the more complex the treatment might get.

What to Expect During Your Dental Visit?

When you see us, we’ll first check your tooth and take an X-ray if needed. This helps us find out if there’s any damage or decay underneath.

If your tooth is still strong, we’ll clean the area and replace the filling. Depending on the location and size, we might use composite resin, silver amalgam, or another suitable material.

But if there’s too much damage or decay, we may need to explore other options. These could include a dental crown or root canal. In rare cases, we might have to remove the tooth if it’s beyond repair. But don’t worry—these are last resorts, and we’ll always discuss every option with you.

Preventing Future Fillings from Falling Out

We believe prevention is better than cure. So once your tooth is fixed, we’ll help you avoid this in the future.

Regular check-ups are key. They allow us to monitor the condition of your fillings and your overall oral health. We can catch early signs of wear and tear before anything falls out.

Also, brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to floss daily to clean between your teeth. And try to avoid habits like chewing ice, biting pens, or using your teeth as tools.

If you grind your teeth while sleeping, a night guard can help. It protects both your teeth and fillings from too much pressure.

Can You Just Leave It Alone?

We get this question often. Some people feel fine even after their filling has fallen out. There’s no pain or visible decay, so they assume it’s safe to wait.

But that’s not a good idea. Even if it doesn’t hurt now, the exposed tooth is vulnerable. It can easily become infected, cracked, or decayed. And what could’ve been a simple fix might turn into a bigger problem later.

So no, it’s not wise to leave it alone. Getting it treated early is always the best move.

Let’s Help You Get Back to Comfort

We know a lost filling can be frustrating. But the good news is, it’s fixable. And we’re here to help.

Don’t wait too long. The sooner you see a professional, the easier it will be to solve the issue. And if you’re searching for a dentist near me, we’ll be glad to assist you in getting the care you need.

Your smile deserves attention. So take the next step today—and let us take care of the rest.

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