Can Fillings Fall Out and What to Do If It Happens to You
You’re enjoying your meal when suddenly, you feel something hard in your mouth. You realise—it’s your filling! It’s fallen out, and now you’re wondering, “What do I do next?”
At Pitt Street Dental Centre in Sydney CBD, we see this happen more often than you might think. While fillings are designed to be long-lasting, they don’t last forever. Let’s talk about why fillings fall out, what to do when it happens, and how to prevent it in the future.
Why Do Fillings Fall Out?
- Natural Wear and Tear – Over time, fillings experience daily pressure from chewing, grinding, and temperature changes. While modern materials are stronger than ever, an old filling can eventually weaken and detach.
- Decay Around the Filling – Think of a filling like a patch on a wall—it covers a hole but relies on the surrounding structure for support. If the tooth develops new decay, the edges around the filling may weaken, causing it to fall out.
- Cracked or Fractured Tooth – If the tooth itself cracks or breaks due to grinding, trauma, or biting on something hard, the filling loses its support and may pop out.
- Poor Bonding – While rare, fillings can loosen prematurely if they weren’t bonded properly, or if excessive moisture interfered during the placement process.
What Should You Do If a Filling Falls Out?
If you suddenly lose a filling, don’t panic—but do act quickly. Here’s what you should do:
- Call Your Dentist ASAP – An unfilled tooth is weaker and more prone to infection. Waiting too long may allow bacteria to reach the nerve, leading to pain or even the need for a root canal or extraction.
- Avoid Chewing on That Side – Try to protect the exposed tooth by eating on the opposite side of your mouth. Avoid hard, sticky, or extremely hot or cold foods.
- Keep the Area Clean – Gently brush and rinse to remove bacteria. A saltwater rinse can also help keep the area clean until you see your dentist.
- Be Careful Not to Stress the Tooth – The exposed area may be sensitive or vulnerable to cracks if extra force is applied.
How Can You Prevent Fillings from Falling Out?
- Regular Dental Check-Ups – Routine exams help detect weak fillings or new decay before they become a bigger issue.
- Good Oral Hygiene – Brushing, flossing, and reducing sugar intake will help prevent decay from forming around fillings.
- Protect Your Teeth from Grinding – If you grind your teeth (bruxism), wearing a night guard can help prevent cracks that might loosen your fillings.
- Be Careful with Hard Foods – Biting into ice, hard lollies, or unpopped popcorn kernels can stress your fillings and cause them to break or dislodge.
Lost a Filling? Don’t Wait—Get It Fixed!
If your filling has fallen out, call us or complete our booking form here to schedule an appointment. The sooner we restore your tooth, the easier the fix—helping you get back to eating and smiling comfortably.
The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. Pitt Street Dental Centre does not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the content.
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional personal diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read or seen on the Site.
Services We Mentioned:
Comprehensive Examination & Dental Hygiene
Tooth Fillings
Mouthguards
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Kristen K.
I have been going to Dr Cai for almost two years and each time I visit he and the staff are so lovely and professional. I cannot recommend them enough.
Nikki J.
Best dentists I have ever been to. I even travelled to Pitt Street Dental when we lived interstate to see them. Very capable, thoughtful and kind dentists and team.
