What Can Cause a Dental Filling to Fall Out

A dental fillings is one of the main procedures performed on patients. Everyone should see their dentist twice a year. It is during these visits where most oral health issues are detected. If you see your dentist routinely, they can treat these issues right away before they become more severe. Usually, a dentist discovers a cavity in the early stages, which can be filled relatively quickly. A filling does not take much time at all. If properly cared for, your filling will last years and not cause you any problems. 

What is a dental filling?

This dental procedure is necessary when you develop missing enamel or a hole in your teeth. This hole can be caused by tooth decay or a broken or damaged tooth. Your dentist will clean the area affected by the hole. They will give you a numbing agent before using local anesthesia to numb the area. A filling is made from artificial materials and is placed into the gap and then secured with heat. This is the most effective and easiest way to stop the spread of tooth decay. 

Why would you lose a dental filling?

A filling is meant to last for years. Your dentist will give you suggestions and advice on how to take care of your filling properly, so you don't need to have it replaced. Most patients suffer a cracked or missing filling because they bite into or chew on hard food or candy. You should never eat anything too sticky or hard if you have a filling in your mouth. For example, a sticky piece of taffy could easily grab onto a filling and pull it out. 

If you feel you have lost or cracked a filling, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. Even if you are not in pain, that doesn't mean you won't be in pain in the future. Dental pain from losing a filling could come on at any time and be severe. 

How does a dentist fix a filling?

During your appointment, your dentist will examine the area where you lost or cracked the filling. They will need to properly clean the entire area and redo the filling to ensure the gap or hole is completely covered again. This can be done relatively quickly, and you should not be in the dentist's chair for more than an hour. 

Talk to your dentist

You should always keep an open line of communication with your dentist. Therefore, it's important to see your dentist regularly. You want to call up your dentist during an emergency and know they will see you and understand what is going on. 

No one wants to only go to their dentist during an emergency such as a toothache or a missing filling. In some cases, you may not be able to find a dentist that will treat you for an emergency if you are not an established patient. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.drericjohnson.com or call Dr. Eric Johnson at (949) 205-1139 for an appointment in our San Clemente office.

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