My Filling Fell Out — What Should I Do?

Losing a filling can be surprising (and a little stressful), especially if it happens after hours or on the weekend. The good news: in most cases, it's not a dental emergency, and there are simple steps you can take to protect your tooth until we can see you.

First Things First: Don't Panic

A missing filling rarely causes permanent damage right away. Acting promptly and carefully will help keep the tooth comfortable and prevent further issues.

What to Do Right Away

1. Gently Clean the Area
   ● Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove food and debris.
   ● If the area is sensitive, salt water (½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) can be soothing.

2. Avoid Chewing on That Side
   ● Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
   ● Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that could crack the tooth further.

3. Protect the Tooth
   ● If the tooth feels sharp or sensitive, you can temporarily cover it with:
          ○ Dental wax (available at most pharmacies), or
          ○ Temporary dental filling material from a drugstore
   ● These are short-term solutions only—do not use household glues or adhesives.

4. Manage Sensitivity or Discomfort
   ● Mild sensitivity is common.
   ● Over-the-counter pain relievers (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, if safe for you) can help.
   ● Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
   ● Try applying Sensodyne toothpaste or Oragel to the area

What Not to Do

   ● Don't try to glue the filling back in
   ● Don't ignore increasing pain or swelling
   ● Don't use the tooth as normal if it's uncomfortable or sharp

When to Call Us

Please contact our office as soon as we reopen so we can schedule a repair. A lost filling should be addressed promptly to prevent decay, fracture, or infection.

Call us sooner (or seek urgent care) if you have:

   ● Severe or worsening pain
   ● Swelling of the face or gums
   ● Signs of infection (fever, bad taste, pus, severe pain even when nothing is touching the tooth like water or food)

If This Happens to a Child

The same steps apply. If your child is in pain or the tooth has sharp edges that could injure their cheek or tongue, please contact us for guidance as soon as possible.