“Is it bad if a piece of an old filling falls out?”
A few months ago, a small piece of an old cavity filling came out when I was flossing. It hasn't been causing me any pain but I do notice the area is slightly more sensitive. Not annoyingly, though. Is this OK?
23 Answers
When a filling piece breaks and comes out the seal is broken and the filling is no longer functioning properly to protect your tooth. Also, you could have decay present that caused this breaking. Therefore, you should see a dentist as soon as possible to treat this problem. For treatment of this problem or to meet your other dental needs, call the dental office of Dr. Brad Emery, Dr. Nicholas Emery and Dr. Carol Scuro, at 585-247-7110. Or check out our website at www.drsemeryandscuro.com.
Katherine L. King
Dentist
Definitely bad! don't wait until you have pain! the remainder of the filling is likely leaking and there is a good chance of new decay occurring
You need to have it examined and most likely repaired. Just because it doesn't hurt now does not mean that you do dot have decay in the tooth. The longer you waits the bigger the problem will become.
Not many patients are told that Restorations are only good for about 7 years and need to be replaced. Bacteria will accumulate with filling once resided had this can lead to major problems and tooth loss eventually. There is no doubt the tooth will become more sensitive to heat and cold as time goes on with a fractured filling. Might as well get it fixed now before it becomes an expensive or even necessitates extraction.
This is not OK. If part of a filling is missing, there may be decay in that area and the irregular surfaces where the filling is missing will collect more plaque and be susceptible to decay. Sensitivity is never a good sign and it must be addressed.
No it is not Ok. Most common reason for part of old filling to fall out is because of cavity that started under the old filling. Even if there is no cavity, partially missing filling will be a food trap and can cause cavity. Please consult your dentist and replace your filling.
Loss of any portion of a previous filling can cause a food or plaque trap. This can cause leakage of material and bacteria into the gap between the filling and tooth. Bacteria in this area will cause eventual decay(cavity) with or without pain. Sensitivity.is a sign that leakage is affecting the nerve in that tooth to some degree. A visit to a Dentist soon would be best. Dr. Grimm
When a filling comes out either the tooth is weakened, there can be decay under the filling making the tooth structure softer, or the filling itself fractured. Left unrepaired this can result in more of your tooth fracturing, dental decay or even tooth loss. You should have your tooth examined by a dentist immediately to determine what is required to restore your tooth back to good function and form.
-Dr Joe Ferraro
-Dr Joe Ferraro
It depends on the size/depth of the resulting defect, if the defect will trap food causing decay, and what part of the tooth is affected . Ex. A defect between the teeth should be replaced as soon as possible, but a very small chipped area on the chewing surface that does not have decay and is cleansible with a toothbrush may not be as much of a priority to replace. Please see your dentist to determine if the filling needs replacement.
Yes
old metal fillings do not have a chemical bond with the tooth but a mechanical retention connection. when a metal filling falls out it is mostly due to: 1. cavity , 2. broken tooth, 3. filling is too old.
Either case a section of your tooth called Dentin is now exposed. Dentin is the layer before your nerve therefor you feel sensitivity. Unfortunately dentin is much more pron to cavity and if not covered it will cause further problems. Fill or Crown it according to the size of old filling or remaining tooth structure, and always remember if your tooth has more filling than tooth...crown is more logical treatment to avoid root canal and etc....
Either case a section of your tooth called Dentin is now exposed. Dentin is the layer before your nerve therefor you feel sensitivity. Unfortunately dentin is much more pron to cavity and if not covered it will cause further problems. Fill or Crown it according to the size of old filling or remaining tooth structure, and always remember if your tooth has more filling than tooth...crown is more logical treatment to avoid root canal and etc....
That is something that is better looked at than ignored. It may be fine, but if it is allowing leakage, it will be a bigger problem in the future. Hope this helps.
Dr Thomas Reinhard
Dr Thomas Reinhard
A small piece of filling material that comes out of a tooth while flossing should be checked by a dental professional. It could mean that all you need to do is smooth the chip, but it could also mean the start of a serious cavity. Decay-causing bacteria can get into the space where the filling portion came out (which is impossible to clean) and begin breaking down the tooth structure. The tooth will become more and more sensitive on and off, until the bacteria reaches the nerve of the tooth which could mean root canal.
It should be checked by your dentist to avoid serious issues.
Usually if a filling or a piece of it falls out, it could be a sign that there is new decay present under that filling and you should seek attention sooner rather than later as if there is a cavity, it can spread and eventually kill the nerve of the tooth.
Once you lose a piece of the old filling, the area is open for bacteria to get in. If you don't get it fixed, you can end up with large amount of cavity. The cavity starts hurting when it reaches the nerve tissue. Take care of it before you end up having the need for a root canal.
No it is not OK, especially if it becomes sensitive. You need to replace the filling before the tooth further decays. Delays in treatment could result in greater decay, possible infection and even loss of tooth.
When a filling falls out, it is usually because there is a cavity under the filling, so yes, that is bad. Sometimes, a filling will break and fall out with no decay present but even so, food can get caught in the hole which usually leads to a future cavity. You need to see a dentist to fill it or possibly crown it, if the filling/cavity is large. Remember, the main three diseases of the mouth (cavities, gum disease, and cancer) are all PAIN FREE, until it is too late. I would recommend you see a dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation.
Usually if a piece of an old filling falls out, the filling was probably cracked and the cause may have been decay under it. Have it checked immediately. Don't let pain be your guide.
You need to get the filling restored as soon as possible. A defective filling could cause cracks in your tooth, which could ultimately do more harm and be more costly in the long run.
Don’t wait for pain or any other discomfort. Make an appointment with the dentist to have the problem with your tooth resolved.
Dear patient, yes, it is very bad when piece of a filling falls out and I will tell you why! There will be micro leakage of bacteria right where the filling has broken off your tooth. Although you may not feel any thing at the time, but this can soon easily turn into a root canal. Worse, you can wake up one morning with a swelling in the side of your face. I would highly recommend that you see your dentist and ask them to fix your tooth.
No, not ok...the filling came out MOST LIKELY due to decay under the old fill...get an X-ray...get a new fill or crown done...wait too long and a root canal WILL be neccesary.
