Lost a Dental Filling? Here’s What to Do Next

Did your tooth filling came out while eating, brushing, or even for no reason at all? It could be uncomfortable, painful, or really sensitive, but don’t worry. This happens to many individuals, and it can be fixed. When a dental filling falls out, the interior of your tooth is exposed. That means air, food, or bacteria can just get in and cause pain or infection. The best thing to do? Get it checked by a dentist as soon as you can.

In this blog, we’ll explain what to do if a dental filling falls out, how to care for your lost dental filling at home, and when to see a dentist. We’ll also cover how a temporary dental filling can help protect your tooth until your dental visit. Whether your dental filling fell out suddenly or your tooth filling came out over time, we’ll guide you through each step.

We offer fast and gentle emergency dental care to help fix your missing dental filling and stop the pain. Keep reading to learn how to protect your smile and avoid bigger dental problems.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Missing Filling

Fillings repair teeth that have been damaged by decay. They preserve your tooth and keep it from weakening and causing pain. If your dental filling fell out, do not wait. Bacteria and food can enter the area and cause sensitivity, pain, or infection. The problem will become more involved and harder to restore if you wait. Emergency dental care can stop the pain and save your tooth right away.

Is a Lost Dental Filling an Emergency?

A dental emergency is an issue that you would have had to address right away to prevent pain, infection, and to save your tooth. A lost dental filling is not itself an emergency, but if you experience pain or swelling, it could be. Search for stabbing pain, bleeding, swelling, heat and cold sensitivity. If you experience any of these signs, seek emergency dental care immediately. The sooner you see your dentist, the sooner it can be fixed.

What to Do Immediately If Your Dental Filling Falls Out

Want to know what to do if dental filling fell out? Follow these easy steps to keep your tooth safe until you visit a dentist:

  • Salt Rinse :

    Mix warm water with salt to clean the area and reduce germs.

  • Gentle Cleaning :

    Carefully brush around the tooth to keep it clean.

  • Chewing Avoidance :

    Don’t chew on the side with the missing filling.

  • Temporary Seal :

    Use dental wax or a temporary dental filling at home kit to cover the exposed tooth.

  • Pain Relief:

    Use clove oil or take pain relievers like ibuprofen if needed.

The above measures might prevent infection and make it less painful until appropriate treatment is provided.

Home Remedies to Protect the Exposed Tooth Temporarily

If you cannot visit the dentist immediately, do not worry. Here are some easy home remedies to fix missing dental filling.

  • Over-the-counter (OTC) temporary filling kit :

    These are sold at most pharmacies and can help cover the area until your dental visit. They’re an easy way to apply a temporary dental filling at home.

  • Apply dental wax or clove oil :

    Dental wax can shield the tooth from air and food. Clove oil helps numb the pain and reduce inflammation.

  • Avoid certain foods and drinks :

    To fix missing dental filling temporarily, avoid anything that could irritate or damage the area.

What to avoid eating/drinking

  • Hard foods (nuts, candy)
  • Sticky foods (gum, caramel)
  • Hot or cold drinks
  • Sugary foods and drinks
  • Crunchy snacks (chips, toast)

These steps won’t replace a real filling. But they can help protect your tooth until you see a dentist.

How Soon Should You See a Dentist?

If you’re unsure when to see dentist for lost filling, aim for 1 to 3 days. Seeing a dentist soon helps prevent pain and further damage. The quicker that you see someone, the better you will be able to prevent further damage. Without the filling, your tooth is exposed to bacteria that can cause infection or decay. If painful, don’t wait—emergency dentistry can end the pain right away. Your tooth will be cleaned, checked for fracture, and filled if needed. It can be salvaged from decaying if treated in time.

Why Fillings Fall Out: Common Causes

  • Tooth Decay Underneath the Filling :

    Hidden decay can weaken the tooth and loosen the filling.

  • Biting Hard or Sticky Foods :

    Chewing ice, nuts, or lollies can dislodge or break a filling.

  • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) :

    Constant pressure from grinding can wear down or crack fillings.

  • Old, Worn-Out Fillings :

    Fillings naturally wear out over time and may fall out.

  • Improper Bite or Poor Bonding :

    If the filling didn’t fit well or bond properly, it may loosen sooner.

If your dental filling fell out or a tooth filling came out, don’t delay in visiting the dentist. Visiting a dentist promptly will prevent infection, pain, or damage.

Can You Reuse a Fallen Filling?

If your tooth filling came out, you might wonder if the dentist can put it back in. Most of the time, the answer is no. A fallen filling could be dirty, damaged, or not fit your tooth properly anymore. Reusing it could cause an infection or more decay. Dentists fix missing dental filling by placing a new one that fits and protects your tooth.

How Dentists Fix a Missing Filling

  • Examine the Tooth :

    The dentist will check the area where the filling was lost.

  • Take an X-ray (If Needed) :

    X-rays help check for decay, cracks, or deeper damage.

  • Dental Cleaning :

    The tooth is cleaned to remove any debris or bacteria.

  • Dental Filling Replacement :

    A new filling is placed using composite, amalgam, or another suitable material.

  • Advanced Treatment (If Required) :

    If the damage is deep, a crown or root canal may be recommended.

Estimated Cost Range

In Australia, dental treatment for lost filling can cost around $150–$450. The exact price depends on the material used, such as composite or amalgam. It also varies based on how much damage needs to be repaired. A simple refill costs less, while deeper or larger restorations may be more expensive.

Don’t Wait – Protect Your Tooth and Your Health

If the dental filling is lost, there is no need to panic. Rinse with salt water, chew on the other side, and get a temporary filling. These simple steps will keep your tooth whole long enough to see a dentist. Dentists repair lost fillings daily; they know how. With swift action, you can avoid pain, infection, or complications.

At Smilexcellence, we take pride in gentle and efficient care to maintain the health of your smile. Whether you need to have a small filling replaced or more, we’ve got you covered.

Book a dental appointment today — our friendly staff is waiting to assist! Call 0424 966 544 or Book online.