What should you do if you lose a filling?

What should you do if you lose a filling

If a filling falls out, rinse gently, avoid chewing on that tooth, and call your dentist for a repair appointment soon—ideally within a few days. Temporary dental filling material from a pharmacy can cover the hole briefly if the area is uncomfortable, but it is not a long-term solution.

Fillings can loosen from new decay at the margins, grinding, sticky foods, or simply aging of the restorative material. Once the seal is gone, the inner tooth can become sensitive to air and sweets, and bacteria can reach deeper layers quickly. Waiting too long may turn a simple replacement into a larger filling, crown, or root canal if the pulp becomes inflamed. Your dentist will clean the area, check for decay or cracks, and place a new restoration that fits your bite.

What should you do if a crown falls off?

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Key Points

• Keep the area clean with careful brushing and gentle flossing around the open tooth.
• Skip hard, sticky, and very sugary foods that pack into the cavity.
• Use temporary filling paste only as labeled and only until your dental visit.
• Sensitivity to cold or sweets is common after a filling is lost.
• Sharp edges or broken tooth structure around the old filling need faster attention.
• Do not use household glue or chewing gum as a permanent plug.
• Seek same-day care if pain is severe, swelling appears, or a large piece of tooth breaks away.

What This Means for You

A lost filling leaves a tooth exposed and more fragile, so schedule repair promptly even if discomfort is mild. Temporary coverage can reduce sensitivity for a short period, but only a dentist can restore a durable seal and check for hidden decay. Treat escalating pain or swelling as an urgent problem rather than waiting for your next routine checkup.

Related Reading: What should you do if a crown falls off?  |  What should you do for a cracked tooth?  |  How do you stop a toothache until the dentist?