What Can Cause a Dental Filling to Fall Out

Dental Filling San Clemente, CA

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.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Fillings in San Clemente, CA.

Recent Posts

Old Dental Fillings? Common Signs You May Need A New One

Monitoring dental fillings remains vital to maintaining a healthy smile, as these repairs eventually wear down over the years of daily chewing. While a filling protects the tooth for a long time, it is not a permanent fix and often needs to be replaced to prevent further decay. Spotting the early warning signs of a…

What To Know About Dental Filling Material Options

When treating a cavity, your dentist needs to remove the decaying portion of the tooth and then “fill” it with a dental filling. The material is beneficial for repairing broken, decayed, and worn down teeth. Tooth decay only gets worse, which makes it extremely important to treat it as soon as possible. Most people do not…

Treating A Cavity With A Dental Filling

If you need a dental filling because of a cavity, you are not alone. Tooth decay can occur at any age. According to Healthline, 92% of adults over 20 in the United States have had at least one cavity.A dental filling is a common and relatively simple procedure to remove the decay and restore the…

3 Ways That A Dental Filling Can Improve Your Oral Health

Thinking that dental fillings are a dental treatment that simply treats a tooth that has some level of decay? Dental fillings not only help save a tooth that is in jeopardy of being lost due to decay, but they also help improve a dental patient's oral health. Ready to learn more about the importance of…

Recent Posts

Old Dental Fillings? Common Signs You May Need A New One

Old Dental Fillings? Common Signs You May Need A New One

Monitoring dental fillings remains vital to maintaining a healthy smile, as these repairs eventually wear down over the years of daily chewing. While a filling protects the tooth for a long time, it is not a permanent fix and often needs to be replaced to prevent further decay. Spotting the early warning signs of a…

Things You Should Know Before Calling An Invisalign Dentist

5 Things You Should Know Before Calling An Invisalign Dentist

An Invisalign® dentist helps straighten teeth with clear aligners, but the best results depend on a solid understanding of candidacy, planning, and consistent daily habits for every patient. Many people assume aligners work the same for every smile, yet moving teeth effectively requires a personalized approach to reach the desired goal. The points below help…