Missing Tooth Filling
What Is A Missing Tooth Filling?
A dental filling is a common treatment used to fix a tooth that has been damaged by tooth decay or dental trauma. It is typically made of a durable material such as amalgam, composite resin, or glass ionomer, and is designed to restore the tooth’s function and prevent further decay. However, a filling may become loose or fall out over time, leaving a gap or hole in the tooth. This is what is known as a Missing Tooth Filling.
A missing tooth filling may not seem like a big deal, but it can cause a range of problems if left untreated. Not only can a missing tooth filling cause sensitivity or pain when chewing or drinking cold or hot beverages, it allows bacteria to enter the tooth and cause further decay or infection, possibly requiring root canal treatment. Before you contact a Toronto dentist to examine a Missing Tooth Filling, there are some things you should know as a patient:
- Why Do I Have A Missing Tooth Filling?
- Signs And Symptoms Of A Missing Tooth Filling
- Treatment Options For A Missing Tooth Filling
- How To Prevent A Missing Tooth Filling
- Managing A Missing Tooth Filling Until You Can See The Dentist
If you have questions about a Missing Tooth Filling or other dental problems, please contact us for more information.
Why Do I Have A Missing Tooth Filling?
There are several reasons why a tooth filling may become missing or loose:
- Tooth Decay: When a tooth is damaged by tooth decay, a filling is used to restore the tooth. However, poor oral hygiene can permit the decay to progress, weakening the filling so that it can become loose and fall out.
- Wear and Tear: Over time, the constant use of teeth when chewing, grinding, or clenching can cause wear and tear on the filling, leading to its failure.
- Cracks in the tooth: Sometimes, due to wear and tear or from excessive forces on a vulnerable tooth (such as one with a large tooth filling), a crack can form around the old filling that can dislodge it, making it loose and eventually falling out. One important sign of a cracked tooth is if you feel pain when biting down on it.
- Dental trauma: A blow to the face or mouth can dislodge a filling or cause it to become loose.
- Age of the Filling: Dental fillings have a lifespan, and over time, they may wear down, break, or become dislodged due to natural processes in the mouth. If your filling is old, it may be more susceptible to damage or failure.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Neglecting proper oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, which can weaken the filling and cause it to fail.
- Improper placement: If the filling wasn’t properly placed or bonded to the tooth by the original dentist, it can become loose and fall out over time.
It is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist to prevent further damage from a missing tooth filling. If you have further questions about a Missing Tooth Filling, please contact us.
Signs And Symptoms Of A Missing Tooth Filling
It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a missing tooth filling to seek prompt dental attention, which can include:
- Tooth sensitivity: A missing filling exposes the inner dentin layers of the tooth to the outside environment, which can cause tooth sensitivity, especially when exposed to hot or cold temperatures.
- Pain: If the missing filling exposes the tooth’s nerve, it can cause severe pain with hot, cold or biting.
- Rough Edges: If the filling has become chipped or broken, it can leave rough edges that can irritate the tongue or cheek.
- Visible Hole: If the filling has completely fallen out, a visible hole or gap may be present in the tooth.
- Discoloration: A tooth with a missing filling may become discolored due to the accumulation of bacteria and food particles in the cavity.
- Infection: In some cases, a missing filling can lead to infection in the tooth or gums, which can cause pain, swelling, a dental abscess, and even fever.
If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage or infection. If you have further questions about signs and symptoms of a Missing Tooth Filling, please contact us.
Treatment Options For A Missing Tooth Filling
There are several treatment options available to restore a missing tooth filling, depending on the extent of the damage and the size of the cavity. Some of the most common treatment options include:
- Dental Filling: If the cavity is small, your dentist may be able to replace the missing filling with a new one made of composite resin, glass ionomer, amalgam, or other dental materials.
- Dental Crown: If the cavity is large or the tooth is weakened, a dental crown may be necessary to cover and protect the tooth from future damage.
- Root Canal Treatment: If the decay has reached the tooth’s pulp, a root canal will be necessary to remove the infected nerve tissue and replace it with a root canal filling. Afterwards, your dentist may recommend a dental crown in addition to a dental filling to restore the tooth.
- Tooth Extraction: In severe cases, if the tooth is too damaged to be restored, your dentist may need to extract the tooth. Missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants, dental bridges or dentures.
It is important to discuss your treatment options with your dentist to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs. If you have further questions about how to treat a Missing Tooth Filling, please contact us.
How To Prevent A Missing Tooth Filling
Preventing a missing tooth filling is essential to maintaining good oral health. Here are some tips to help keep your tooth filling clean and healthy for a long time:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from your teeth. The Waterpik waterflosser is also a terrific adjunctive tool to keep the area around a tooth filling clean.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Schedule regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings to catch any problems early on and address them promptly. If you have old fillings that are worn or damaged, talk to your dentist about replacing them before they become loose or fall out.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Hard and sticky foods can damage dental fillings and weaken the tooth’s structure.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks: These unhealthy food choices can increase your risk of tooth decay that will weaken your fillings.
- Wear A Mouthguard: If you play sports or grind your teeth, wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth and fillings from any unnecessary damage.
It is important to note that a tooth filling can fall out even if you have good oral hygiene practices and see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. If you have further questions about how to prevent a Missing Tooth Filling, please contact us.
Managing A Missing Tooth Filling Until You Can See The Dentist
If you experience a missing tooth filling, it is important to seek dental attention as soon as possible. However, if you cannot see a dentist immediately, here are some tips to manage the missing filling:
- Use Over-the-Counter Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain medication, such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen), can help relieve tooth pain or sensitivity from a missing dental filling. Follow the instructions on the label and do not exceed the recommended dose. Unless you have a health condition that prevents you from taking either ibuprofen or acetaminophen, the absolute maximum dose that I recommend patients take for the worst dental pain is 600 mg ibuprofen combined with 1000 mg acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Keeping the area around the missing filling as clean as possible can help prevent further decay and alleviate some of the pain or sensitivity. Brush and floss gently around the tooth. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water or mouthwash can help reduce infection, inflammation and alleviate toothache pain. You can buy any mouthwash available at your pharmacy or health foods store. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish the solution around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
- Avoid Hot And Cold Foods: Foods that are too hot or too cold can cause tooth sensitivity and pain. Choose room temperature foods so as not to irritate the sensitive tooth.
- Avoid Hard And Sticky Foods: Teeth with missing fillings are vulnerable to more damage, so it is prudent to avoid hard and sticky foods that can weaken the tooth’s structure.
- Avoid Chewing On The Damaged Tooth: Favor using the other side of your mouth as not to further damage the tooth with the missing filling.
- Use Temporary Filling Material: Temporary dental filling material can be purchased at most drugstores and can be used to cover the cavity until you can see your dentist. Alternatively, you can use orthodontic wax to temporarily plug up the hole.
It is important to remember that these tips are temporary measures and should not replace a visit to the dentist. Seeking prompt dental attention is crucial to prevent further damage or infection. If you have further questions about how to manage a Missing Tooth Filling, please contact us.
