Dental fillings are one of the most common and practical ways to fix a tooth that has a cavity due to decay. Most people have at least one dental filling in a tooth that developed a cavity at some point in their life, and therefore, it’s not an uncommon experience to also have a dental filling fall out. Dental fillings can be made out of several different materials, including composite resin, porcelain, gold, & silver, and each of these different types of fillings come with their own pros and cons. Regardless of the type of filling(s) you have, your dental filling(s) will likely fall out or need to be replaced at some point in your life! In this article, we’ll talk about three different ways that you’ll be able to tell when a dental filling falls out! If you have any questions about dental fillings or are a resident of Southern Maine that believes you’ve lost a filling, contact our team at Gentle Dental Maine today!

Tooth Pain or Discomfort

One common sign of a lost filling is pain or discomfort in a tooth that has previously been filled. When a filling falls out of a tooth, the nerve-filled tissue inside the tooth that was previously being covered by the filling becomes exposed. Eating, drinking, and even breathing through the mouth can then cause irritation in the tooth that may feel uncomfortable or painful. If you’ve recently begun having pain in a tooth that has been filled in the past, you should speak with a dentist and schedule an appointment!

Tooth Sensitivity

Similar to the tooth pain mentioned above, teeth that have lost fillings may become extremely sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks. Whether your teeth have suddenly become sensitive to your morning coffee or an after-dinner frozen treat, you should speak to your dentist to make sure that your dental fillings are still in place. While you wait to see your dentist, you should avoid chewing with the side of your mouth that is experiencing the sensitivity!

Noticeable Cracks or Holes in a Tooth

The next sign that you may have lost a dental filling is a noticeable crack or hole in a tooth that has been filled in the past. Dental fillings quite literally fill up a hole or crack in a tooth that has been caused by decay, so if the filling has split or fallen out completely, you may notice that the crack or hole in your tooth has reappeared. If you notice a crack or hole in any tooth, regardless of whether it has had a filling in the past or not, you should contact your dentist to let them know right away!

Contact Gentle Dental Maine!

If you have any additional questions about dental fillings or are a resident of Southern Maine that has lost a dental filling, please contact Gentle Dental Maine! Our family dentists specialize in general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry services at each of our offices in South Portland, Biddeford, and Topsham. Give us a call at any one of our offices, or if you’re not yet a patient with us, please fill out the new patient form on our website!