We blogged recently about how to handle accidental tooth loss , but what do you do if your filling falls out? A filling falling out can just be a freak incident. Maybe it became loose and popped out while you were eating or brushing your teeth, or you were hit in the mouth by a baseball. Either way, you need to move quickly, as leaving that gap in your tooth can lead to bacteria and food particles accessing the inner part of your tooth, causing damage that could either lead to a necessary root canal or a loss of the tooth

Before you worry about what to do when the worst case scenario comes about, you should know how this can occur – and how to prevent it. Some of the symptoms of a loosening filling include tooth sensitivity, pain when eating with the tooth, sharp pain or a constant toothache.

You can identify a loosening tooth by physical factors, as well. If you notice holes in your tooth and find that your dental floss shreds or comes out with pieces of food, you may be in danger of losing your filling. To prevent this loss, visit your dentist for regular examinations (approximately every six months). The dentist will notice any looseness or potential for a lost filling, and replace it.

What should you do if your filling falls out? Here are a few steps to make sure you handle this emergency properly:

Should the tooth be restorable, you have a choice of options based on the position of the tooth. Here is what the positioning of the tooth and damage tell you about your possible restoration options. Of course, only an examination by your dentist will allow determination of the treatment that’s appropriate for your individual case:

If you lost a filling, 24/7 Local Dentist can get you the replacement you need to prevent further damage to your tooth. Learn more about what to expect from oral surgery , as well as your payment options .