Sometimes a filling becomes loose or even falls out completely, which can cause discomfort, sensitivity, or even pain. It doesn’t always mean that the tooth is badly damaged, but it does indicate that something isn’t right and should be checked as soon as possible. Fillings aren’t eternal, and over time they can deteriorate or come loose for different reasons.
Why do fillings fall out?
A filling is placed to restore the part of the tooth that has been lost due to a cavity. However, over time or for other reasons, that restoration can fail. It’s important to understand that it’s not always due to poor placement, but rather to natural wear or habits that affect its durability.
The main causes of a filling falling out are:
- Failure in material adhesion: During placement, it’s essential that the filling adheres well to the tooth. If moisture gets in or the material doesn’t adapt properly, that bond can weaken over months or years.
- New or recurring cavities: When a cavity appears around the filling, the dental tissue loses support and the material can easily come loose.
- Wear from use and time: Over the years, fillings wear down just like natural teeth. This causes small cracks or leaks that can eventually lead to the filling falling out.
- Bruxism or pressure while chewing: Clenching your teeth tightly, especially at night, puts excessive pressure on the filling and can cause it to fracture or come loose.
- Blows or trauma: A direct hit to the mouth or biting something very hard can cause the filling to fall out suddenly.
- Little healthy tooth structure: If the cavity was very large and little healthy tooth remained, the filling might not have enough support to stay firmly in place.
- Incorrect fit or shape: When the filling doesn’t fit perfectly, small gaps form where bacteria or food debris accumulate, weakening the area over time.
Steps to take if a filling falls out
If you notice that a filling has come out, the most important thing is to stay calm and act carefully. It’s not a good idea to leave the tooth exposed for too long, as it can become painful or infected. The steps to follow are:
- Don’t chew on that side to avoid damaging the exposed area.
- Gently clean the area with a soft toothbrush or warm rinse.
- Keep the filling if you find it — it may help the dentist assess the repair.
- Schedule an appointment as soon as possible to have it checked and replaced if necessary.
- Avoid hard, sticky, or very cold foods until it’s repaired.
- You can use dental wax or temporary filling paste if you feel discomfort until your visit.
Prevent fillings from falling out
As advice, the best way to keep fillings in good condition is to take care of your oral hygiene every day. Brushing after each meal, using dental floss, and attending regular check-ups allow early detection of small leaks or wear. This way, intervention can happen before the filling falls out or a new cavity develops.
It’s also important to take care of certain habits. If you tend to clench your teeth or suffer from bruxism, wearing a night guard can protect both your fillings and your natural teeth. Avoiding very hard foods, controlling sugar intake, and not using your teeth as “tools” (to open objects, for example) also helps fillings last longer without problems.
We do dental fillings
At Gross Dentistas, we have a team specialized in dental restorations that works with high-quality materials and modern technology. We perform aesthetic, durable fillings perfectly adjusted to the natural color and shape of your teeth, so you can restore both function and appearance without noticing the difference.
Our dental clinic Torremolinos and Málaga offers personalized care, maintenance check-ups, and treatments tailored to each patient. If you need to repair or replace a filling, we will attend to you quickly and professionally so you can smile again with complete confidence. Book your appointment today.
Ortodoncista especializada en el sistema de ortodoncia invisible, extensa trayectoria profesional y un gran número de pacientes satisfechos con los resultados obtenidos tras la finalización de su tratamiento.
