If you have dental fillings and one of them falls out all of a sudden, it can be scary and confusing. Residents of North Central Phoenix love crunchy foods like spicy tacos, and events like this are not surprising. Even though dental fillings are strong and meant to last for a long time, they are not invincible. They can become loose or fall out due to various reasons.
If you are considering getting fillings or already have them, it is good to understand why or how they can fail. In Phoenix, there are major temperature changes during summer and winter. This can make the fillings expand or contract, thus weakening them over time. Also, the local water and certain foods you eat can affect how long your fillings last.
If your filling has fallen out, do not wait for long to visit a North Central Phoenix dentist office. When you leave something like this untreated for a long time, it can lead to more serious problems like tooth decay or nerve damage. It is a good thing that dentists in North Central Phoenix are experienced in fixing loose or lost fillings.
Common causes of fillings falling out
1. Tooth decay.
Tooth decay is one of the major reasons for falling out. New cavities can easily form around or under existing fillings. This can weaken the tooth and make the filling loose.
As decay progresses, the structure of the tooth becomes weaker, which makes the filling more likely to fall out. Moreover, the filling can also become dislodged if the structure of your tooth is not strong enough to support it due to the decay.
2. Wear and tear.
Chewing and biting naturally can also wear down your fillings over time. Constant pressure from these activities can gradually cause a filling to become loose or crack. Some people have a habit of grinding their teeth at night, which is also known as bruxism. This teeth-clenching habit can also cause your filling to wear down quickly.
3. Poor oral hygiene.
If you do not take good care of your oral health, plaque can easily build up, which can damage the fillings over time. Plaque contains bacteria that can attack the filling and the surrounding tooth structure.
Therefore, if oral care is not maintained, the tooth can become weak, and the filling may not stay in place. Without regular brushing and flossing, bacteria can cause further damage, which can increase the chances of your filling falling out.
4. Trauma or injury.
Fillings can also fall out of place due to accidents or injuries, such as a hard blow to your face or biting down on a hard object. This sudden pressure can dislodge the filling, especially if it becomes a bit loose due to daily wear and tear. Moreover, this type of trauma can also cause cracks in the tooth and contribute to the loss of fillings.
5. Improper placement of fillings.
Sometimes, fillings can fall out due to errors made during the initial procedure. If a filling is not placed correctly, it might not bond with your tooth properly. This can lead to the filling becoming loose or falling out of place quickly.
Solutions to prevent fillings from falling out
If you want your fillings to stay in their place, make sure you brush your teeth daily with a fluoride-based toothpaste. This will help maintain hygiene in your mouth and keep the filling safe from bacteria or plaque buildup.
You also need to be very careful while eating hard fruits like dry fruits or nuts as they can put pressure on the fillings and make them loose. If you notice any signs of wear, cracks, or decay around a filling, make sure to visit your dentist immediately before it becomes a bigger issue.
Lost a filling?
If you have lost a filling, visit your dentist today!