What causes fillings to fall out?!
Question: I was just eating my dinner and one of my fillings fell out - I wasn't eating anything particularly chewy or sticky to pull it out, is there a specific reason why fillings can fall out? It's a silver filling, and I've had it for about 2 years.
Also, what should I do about it now?? I have a dentist appointment anyway in a couple of weeks - can I just wait until then to get it fixed? It's a fairly big filling and the tooth is quite sensitive now, but not actually painful as such. Will it get painful if I leave it a couple of weeks?
Answers: I was just eating my dinner and one of my fillings fell out - I wasn't eating anything particularly chewy or sticky to pull it out, is there a specific reason why fillings can fall out? It's a silver filling, and I've had it for about 2 years.
Also, what should I do about it now?? I have a dentist appointment anyway in a couple of weeks - can I just wait until then to get it fixed? It's a fairly big filling and the tooth is quite sensitive now, but not actually painful as such. Will it get painful if I leave it a couple of weeks?
Generally fillings fall out because of recurrent decay in the tooth. The tooth structure around the existing filling material breaks down from new decay and the filling becomes loose.
You will need to call your dentist. They schedule your appointment based on anticipated treatment. If you show up for a cleaning appointment but want your filling replaced they may not have time to do it.
Leaving it for a couple of weeks isn't really advised for two reasons. One, it's sensitive and you tongue will endlessly play with the sharp edges. Secondly, without the filling in place the remaining tooth structure will be fragile and prone to breaking. If too much breaks off there won't be enough natural tooth to support a filling and a crown will be required for structural integrity.
Good luck!
twos yrs are plenty of time to have lasted for ur filling--wud it have been possible that they were temporary filling cos usually the permanent ones dont fall out--the area might be a lil tender--till u visit ur dr--i wud suggest dont bite anything hard and try as much not to use that side for chewing large chunks and tough food-if its sensitive pls gargle ur teeth with some warm water and salt,incidently u can apply an ointment called smiley--dunno if thats availabe in ur country tho-also dont take pipping hot food--like soup and beverages or ice cold items cos soon u wud start feeling sensitive and u will feel that u cant last that long--its painful to say the least and that area is exposed--so take care
The filling may have been cracked. Silver fillings are brittle and can break without you knowing about it. Chewing, brushing or flossing can then usually make it fall out. The tooth will be sensitive to cold and probably too sensitive to brush (toothpaste doesn't feel so good on exposed dentin!) Over the 2 weeks, it will be even more sensitive.
Definitely call your dentist's office. I get some people in with your problem that wait until they are in for their cleanings to bring up the problem. We generally don't have enough time alotted to fix the tooth that day and have to have the person back anyway. If you call soon, sometimes you can have the tooth treated (which sometimes takes 2 appointments) and have your 2nd appointment coincide with the completion of the tooth and your cleaning
You can get temporary filling material at any large drug store. It's in the dental department. Be sure and go to your dentist and point this out. If he/she can't do the filling at your appt. a proper temporary can be placed. Big filling can fall out for several reasons. The main one is fracture of tooth structure. Another is recurrent decay. They are seldom pulled out by sticky food. Your tooth may need a crown as a 2 year old filling would be considered a failure and probably need the next step. Your dentist will tell you.
DDS 33 yrs
fillings do not fall off in two years. The main reason for fillings to fall of is you have a bad dentist, who ever who has done it. He has not prepared the cavity well & filled it. A silver filling should give you minimum 25 years of life till it get worn off along with your teeth, thats why it is known as permanent filling.
Poor you if it was a big filling they can crack and then they can fall out. Sometimes when you eat something hot and then cold it causes the filing to expand then contract and crack.
I would go and see your dentist to get it fix asap as your tongue always seems to find the hole.
Good luck