When you have a cavity, you receive a filling. The longevity of a filling is determined by its upkeep and daily wear and strain. Eventually, fillings must be changed. Sometimes, they fall out. Here is what you should know if this occurs to you. However, you should always get emergency dental care if your fillings fall out. 

Why a filling may fall out 

There are several reasons why a filling may loosen and fall out. Many of the frequent reasons are related to the food a person consumes and the way their teeth bite down when chewing. Regardless of how it occurs, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible so that they can treat it. 

A filling may fall out if:

• You are biting into extremely hard or crunchy food.
• You chew too hard when eating.
• There is fresh decay surrounding the filling.
• A chemical reaction occurs, essentially loosening the link between the filling and the tooth.
• You have lately had trauma to the tooth or root.
• You excessively grind your teeth (bruxism).

Should you be worried if a filling falls out? 

A missing filling is rarely treated as a dental emergency. However, if you are feeling discomfort and sensitivity around the afflicted tooth, do not dismiss it. Delaying action might lead to more serious issues and the need for more complex vital operations in the future.

You should not wait more than three days to visit your dentist. This advice is still valid even if you experience little dental pain. If you wait too long and the tooth remains exposed for more than three days, your dentist may need to put a dental crown. They will eventually decide what is best for you.

Here are the steps you should take 

Call your dentist right away to set up an appointment. If you are in pain, let the dentist know. If you cannot be seen right away, inquire about how to protect your exposed teeth from harm. Keep the filling so that the dentist may decide whether to reuse it. If you lose a dental crown, your dentist may be able to re-cement it to the tooth. 

Use salt water to gargle to keep the region clean and remove any food particles from the teeth. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt to a cup of warm water. Gargle for several seconds. This can help destroy microorganisms that may harm your exposed tooth. Maintain a good dental hygiene routine. 

Gently brush the area where the filling came out. Avoid gnawing on the exposed tooth. To cover the exposed tooth, use dental wax or a temporary filling substance, which is available online. This is simply a temporary treatment until you can get the filling fixed by your dentist.