A filling can come loose for various reasons. Whatever the reason, losing a filling may not be apparent right away.
Fillings are used to treat and restore your smile if you’ve had a cavity. While they are made to stay in place for quite some time, they can occasionally fall out under certain circumstances.
A filling can come loose for various reasons. Whatever the reason, losing a filling may not be apparent right away. Here are some indications that you have lost a tooth filling.

I cannot express how grateful we are for Dr. Thoms and his team! Their sensitivity, expertise, and dedication made a potentially challenging dental experience for our daughter as comfortable and stress-free as possible (for her AND us!).
We were very impressed by Dr. Thoms' thoroughness in explaining the procedure and his willingness to answer all of our questions, alleviating any anxieties we had. The ability to be present by our daughter's side as she was falling asleep was a huge comfort factor.
We felt a sense of genuine care and compassion towards our daughter and felt that they treated her as if she was one of their own. Dr. Thoms and his team clearly go above and beyond to provide exceptional patient care and makes a complex dental procedure feel safe, comfortable, and even reassuring. A huge THANK YOU to Dr. Thoms and his team!
If your dental phobia and dental issues have made you feel hopeless ... I encourage you to contact the DAC for a consultation. That's what I did 17 years ago - and it proved to be a very good decision and a true blessing.
I started taking my kids here when they needed procedures under anesthesia. Once my former dentist retired (and I realized the DAC also does family dentistry), I switched the entire family to this office. Best decision I ever made.
I’m also so impressed with the experience this team has treating individuals with special needs.
I skipped going to the dentist for 6 years and what a mistake that was. Everyone at this office is extremely nice and a pleasure to deal with.
Laina, their hygenist is awesome even though she is a Cubs fan. I actually look forward to my 3 month cleanings now and will not miss another.
Dr. Thoms and his team (I requested Julie as an assistant I would do the same :)) were amazing. As I said I skipped going for 6 years so I had some work to be done and chose to be put to sleep instead of 4 visits. They make sure you are as comfortable as possible and even take the time to check up on you after to make sure you are healing properly.
Last but not least, Marie and the entire front office are great. Always a pleasure to deal with and are very accommodating. They are the face of the operation and the tone of the visit is set with them. The amount of care and compassion they show the patients in the waiting room is beyond extraordinary.
The process went well, and the services were outstanding. Everyone was polite and empathetic, from the front desk receptionist to the dentists. The customer service was excellent. I rarely post reviews, but I do so because I want others to know that they can trust and feel safe with their care. The Dental Anesthesia Center comes highly recommended from this mama bear.
My five year old had to have extensive dental work done and from start to finish the dental anesthesia center delivered five star work !
Going to the dentist is scary enough but having to take your own child to be put under was next level and the care he received from the nurses and dr was mind easing.
6 Signs You’ve Lost a Filling
If you suspect that your tooth filling may have fallen out, there are several indications you can look out for. While it’s essential to consult a dentist for a proper evaluation and treatment, here are some common signs that may suggest your filling is no longer in place:
- Sensitivity or pain: You may experience heightened sensitivity or pain in the affected tooth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic substances. This sensitivity can indicate that the protective layer provided by the filling is absent.
- Rough or uneven tooth surface: If you run your tongue over the tooth and notice a rough or uneven surface, it could be a sign that the filling material has dislodged.
- Visible hole or gap: Inspect your tooth visually using a mirror. If you notice an obvious hole or gap where the filling was previously present, it strongly indicates that it has fallen out.
- Food getting stuck: When a filling is no longer in place, you may notice food particles frequently getting trapped in the cavity or gap, causing discomfort or annoyance.
- Altered bite or discomfort when biting: If your bite feels different or you experience discomfort when biting down on the affected tooth, it could be due to the absence of the filling.
- Metallic taste: Some dental fillings, such as amalgam (silver), may leave a metallic taste in your mouth if they become dislodged.
These signs are not definitive proof that your filling has fallen out, but they indicate a potential problem. It’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to examine your tooth and address any necessary treatment.
Schedule an Appointment
Our team of experienced dentists and friendly staff members at The Dental Anesthesia Center are committed to creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for every patient. Our comprehensive range of dental services is designed to address all your family’s dental needs. If you think you’ve lost a filling, call us today to schedule an appointment.