Lost a Filling? Here’s What to Do

Fillings are a common dental procedure to treat teeth damaged by decay, cracks, or wear. Fillings restore the tooth's original shape by filling the space left when decay is removed. Fillings help protect the tooth from further damage by sealing off the impacted area and preventing bacteria from re-entering. There are several kinds of fillings, including silver, composite, gold and ceramic.

Fillings can loosen over time, and can fall out. If you think you have lost your filling, don’t panic. There are several options available.

Book a same-day emergency appointment at a Tend dental studio

What can cause a filling to come out?

A tooth filling can fall out for various reasons, from sudden trauma to normal wear and tear.
A hard hit to the mouth, such as from a fall or a sports accident, can knock fillings out. But even normal daily activities, such as eating hard and sticky foods, can break a filling. Regularly eating acidic foods and drinks, or foods with temperature extremes, can weaken a filling over time.
As we age, our bite changes. Natural changes in bite alignment, as well as teeth grinding (bruxism), can contribute to loosening a filling. Normal, daily chewing will eventually wear down, crack, or shift a filling.

Decay also can develop around a filling, causing it to loosen. It’s less common, but poor bonding placement can contribute to a lost filling. Some filling materials, like composite resin, may shrink slightly after placement, creating gaps between the filling and the tooth.

Regular dental check-ups can help catch early signs of filling wear or tooth decay that could lead to a filling falling out

What does it feel like to lose a filling?

Depending on the severity of the situation, a loose or lost filling will cause a range of discomfort.

A tooth with a lost filling will have exposed areas, which will be sensitive to temperature (hot and cold) as well as pressure (such as pain when chewing). A lost filling may expose nerve endings; this can cause mild to severe pain, depending on whether there is an infection or a cavity.

Exposed areas of the tooth will have noticeable rough and sharp edges. You may be able to feel a hole or a gap where the filling used to sit.

What to do if you lose a filling

Think you’ve lost a filling? Follow these steps:

Call your dentist

Make an appointment as soon as possible. Let your dentist know it's an emergency, especially if you're experiencing pain. Even if you don’t have pain right away, it’s crucial to see a dental professional immediately, or risk infections.

If you experience discomfort

Losing a tooth filling can cause varying levels of discomfort, depending on the situation. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help with mild pain.

What should you do until you can see a dentist?

Be mindful of what you’re eating and look for bland, soft foods. Avoid extremes in temperature (very hot or very cold), as well as extremes in texture (very hard or very chewy).

As much as possible, keep the tooth clean. Rinse the mouth with warm salt water to clean the area and reduce bacteria. Gently brush around the tooth, if possible.

How will my dentist fix a lost filling?

Fixing a lost filling involves several steps.

Your dental professional will gently examine the affected tooth. If needed, local anesthetic will be applied and X-rays will be taken to assess decay, damage, or underlying issues. The tooth will be cleaned to remove decay or debris.

Next, the tooth is shaped to fit a new filling. A new filling, which can be made from composite, silver, gold or temporary materials, will be placed over and molded to fit the tooth. After the new filling is in place, it is polished to remove any rough edges and checked to see that it aligns well with other teeth.

You will then be given detailed post-care instructions to help the filling set properly.

How much does it cost to replace a filling?

The cost to replace a filling varies depending on factors such as the type of filling material, the tooth's location, the extent of the damage, and geographic location.

Silver (or amalgam) fillings range from $50 to $150 for one or two surfaces, and prices will go up for multiple surfaces. Composite (or tooth-colored) fillings are typically between $90 to $250 to start. Gold and ceramic fillings can be more expensive, and range from $250 to $4,500.

Many insurers will cover basic fillings but may not cover all costs for premium materials.

What should I do if a crown comes off my tooth?

Don’t panic if your crown comes off. If possible, find it and gently clean it. It’s possible that a dentist will be able to reattach it. Store the crown in a clean container for your dentist to examine.

Gently clean the exposed tooth with salt water, and avoid foods that could cause additional damage.

Schedule an appointment to see a dentist immediately to prevent further damage. Need to get seen today? Tend offers emergency visits.

How can I prevent losing a filling ?

Maintaining good oral hygiene will extend the lifetime of your filling (and your teeth). This includes regular dental check ups, and limiting foods known to weaken fillings, such acidic, sugary and hard foods. If you grind your teeth, consider using a mouthguard to protect your teeth.

FAQ:

Is a lost filling a medical emergency?

Whether a lost filling is considered a medical emergency depends on several factors. If you experience swelling, pus or signs of infection, this could point to a serious issue and you should see a dentist right away.

If you have severe pain or sensitivity when eating, this can also indicate dental damage, and you should see a professional right away.

Even if you don’t experience extreme discomfort, a lost filling requires prompt attention to prevent further damage.

How long can I wait to make a dental appointment for a missing filling?

How long you wait before seeing a dentist for a lost filling depends on the circumstances.
If you see or feel signs of infection (such as swelling or a fever), see a professional right away.

If you have pain or sensitivity, you should see a doctor within one or two days. If you have only mild pain, you can wait a few days or up to a week; however, it’s important to get a dental exam promptly to avoid further damage to the tooth.

What if I just lost a piece of a filling, not the whole thing?

Even if only a small part of the filling is lost, this still indicates damage to the tooth, which will worsen without proper care.

Even if there is no pain, it’s important to have your dentist review the area for signs of infection, and advise on next steps. Tend can help you get an appointment right away.

If you have pain, sensitivity or notice signs of infection, contact us for an emergency appointment

My filling or crown feels loose but its still on - what do I do?

If your filling or crown feels loose, schedule an appointment to have our Tend professionals check for damage. A loose crown or filling can be a sign of other issues.

Avoid aggravating the loose crown or filling by chewing gently on the other side of your mouth, and avoid foods that will impact the hurt tooth.

Clean the mouth but take care not to shake it loose when flossing or brushing hard.