Left untreated, a lost or chipped filling can lead to a root canal and possible tooth loss.
Is a broken tooth filling an emergency?
Ending up with a broken filling is not enjoyable. When a dental filling comes out, it's not often thought of as a big emergency. Still, it's necessary to see a dentist promptly because tooth decay can develop in the area that was concealed by the filling, bringing on more serious concerns.Mar 18, 2021
What can you do for a broken filling?
For a broken or loose filling, your dentist will remove the decay that developed between the old filling and the tooth and place a new filling. If you have a large area of decay in the tooth, your dentist may recommend a dental crown.
What happens if a filling breaks?
If the seal between the tooth and the filling breaks down, food particles and bacteria can work their way underneath the filling. If this happens you then run the risk of possibly developing decay in that tooth, or the tooth chipping further and breaking down.
Are fillings supposed to break?
Why do fillings crack? Your teeth are under constant pressure each day from chewing, grinding or clenching which can cause dental fillings to wear, chip or crack. If the seal between the tooth and the filling breaks down, food particles and bacteria can work their way underneath the filling.
Is broken filling an emergency?
Broken or loose fillings are rarely considered an emergency, but because they can be painful we treat it as an emergency dental visit. The pain you experience is often due to exposed tooth tissue that is sensitive to pressure, air or hot and cold temperatures.
Is a fallen out filling a dental emergency?
Fillings and crowns sometimes loosen and fall out. This is rarely an emergency, but it can be painful because the exposed tooth tissue is often sensitive to pressure, air or hot and cold temperatures. In some cases, a filling or crown may come loose because decay has developed underneath it.
Is losing a filling an emergency?
Fillings and crowns are meant to be permanent, but things happen, and it's not uncommon for one to break under abuse or pop out due to wear and tear. While it's likely not an emergency situation, however, you don't want to delay making a dentist appointment when it comes to dealing with this snafu.
How long can you wait if a filling falls out?
Most of the time, a lost filling is not considered a dental emergency. However, if you are experiencing pain and sensitivity around the affected tooth, it's not something you should ignore. Our recommendation is that you wait no longer than 3 days to see our dentists.Sep 21, 2021