Sometimes it happens that the filling of a tooth falls suddenly, for no apparent reason. Why is this phenomenon occurring?

Usually, this is done when a tooth becomes decayed: the damaged tissues are then removed and the dentist then cleans the tooth, followed by filling it with a material that is not only durable but also biocompatible. This is intended to prevent further infection to the affected dental element.

Other situations that require the clogging of a tooth may include its chipping or breakage. In any case, the filling may jump or falls and, in these cases, it is advisable to intervene promptly to prevent the tooth so “vulnerable” from breaking or being attacked by new inflammations or infections.

Currently, most fillings are made with a white-colored material called composite resin. In the past, instead, the fillings were generally made of lead.

What is the reason for losing a tooth filling?

One reason that causes a filling to “jump” is generally to be attributed to an imperfect realization of root canal therapy. Specifically, if the filling of the tooth is not done according to the rules of the art, real infiltrations may be present that can cause the passage of bacteria between the tooth and the composite material. In these cases, following the bacterial aggression, the filling may come off.

Therefore, inaccuracies in the application of the filling can lead to involuntary accumulations of food residues, and consequently of plaque and tartar, which end up damaging the tooth.

A final interesting curiosity concerning the fillings concerns their average duration, which varies between 6 and 20 years for that in amalgam and between 5 and 10 years for those in composite materials.

What to do if your dental filling falls off?

When the tooth cavity filling falls off, it is advisable to immediately contact your trusted dentist, who will intervene promptly to avoid an accumulation of bacteria in the uncovered tooth.

If instead, you find yourself unable to go to the dentist right away, our advice is to immediately rinse the oral cavity with warm water, then placing a piece of sterile gauze on the tooth in question.

In this way, you will at least partially be able to protect it from infections, but you will always have to keep in mind that it is only a temporary remedy and that the dentist’s reconstruction intervention is essential.

Whether you eat while you are flossing or brushing your teeth, suddenly losing a filling is a very unpleasant event. Not so much because of the strange feeling that part of the tooth is missing. But above all, because the event is usually followed by a strong dental sensitivity, a good dose of pain and a high risk of developing new caries.

Most fillings do not last forever, especially the older ones in amalgam. Regular dental check-ups every 6 months allow the dentist to keep an eye on the dental fillings that are most at risk. But if the filling falls out and you can’t go to your dentist right away, you need to know what to do to protect your teeth and relieve pain.

Let’s see the remedies that can be applied immediately:

Remove the filling:

First of all, remove the blown filling material from the mouth to avoid swallowing or inhaling it. Most fillings do not cause problems if swallowed, but they can cause lung infection if you accidentally inhale. Then call the dentist immediately and make an appointment for replacing the filler.

Practice very careful oral hygiene:

If you can’t get to your dentist right away, you have to practice excellent oral hygiene around the area where the filling was to reduce the bacterial load. Given that it is advisable not to eat on it. Food can be trapped in the exposed tooth causing a build-up of harmful bacteria. It is, therefore, necessary to gently and carefully brush the inside of the hole and remove all food debris. After eating, you can also rinse your mouth with warm water and salt to facilitate the removal of food.

Use temporary filling material:

A dental emergency like this can expose your teeth to heat and cold. Sensitive teeth can cause severe pain and pain medication can help. You can also try to stop the source of the pain by covering the exposed area with a temporary filling material such as a piece of sugar-free chewing gum. Do not use sweetened chewing gum because the sugar causes further pain. It is also possible to use temporary dental cement that can be purchased at the pharmacy without a prescription.

All these remedies are temporary. It must always be kept in mind. For example, temporary cement lasts only a few days. The most important thing to do is to contact a dentist for the tooth cavity filling.