Indications Your Tooth Filling May Have Fallen Out

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.

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I have been a patient at the Dental Anesthesia Center for about 20 years! Dr. Hoffman and his team are the premier dental group in the St. Louis area. I believe they are the only location for Dental Anesthesia if you need that service. They are experts in the dental field and I cannot fathom ever going anywhere else. Great team, kind, caring, patient, and looking out for you and your dental needs!

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Everything went great today for her surgery but I do have some feedback about other things. My daughter was scheduled to be put to sleep to undergo a root canal. They ended up needing more anthesia which I was willing to pay for. Surgery was supposed to be an hour (I was told this before they started), and it ended up being 2 hours because of some minor complications. Noone came to the lobby to inform us. When it was over, I asked to see her. They said I had to pay first. I just paid almost 5k and they were more worried about an additional $300 before allowing me to see my daughter? This didn't sit right. I didn't say anything. I paid the bill and went to see my daughter. Dr. Hoffman is the nicest man I have ever met! He was outstanding. Also, in the weeks before her surgery, the office appeared to not communicate. I would receive a call saying one thing then someone else would say another. They were never on the same page. Last week, they needed to speak with me to confirm a few things. They called me at 8:16am then again at 1:06pm. Leaving me a voicemail that if they do not hear from me they were going to cancel her surgery. Wow! I work. I work 8am-5pm. I do not have access to my phone during those hours. They did leave a voicemail and I would have called the next day but they did not give me a chance before sending me an email threatening to cancel. Also, they had called me several weeks before to inform me I had no insurance. I called my insurance company and they said I did. Not sure what happened but it resulted in unnecessary phone calls during my only free 20 minutes at work. If your appointment is at 10am, do not plan on seeing anyone for awhile. All our appointments ran an hour behind. I think Dr. Hoffman is wonderful but the office staff needs some help. Not friendly at all. Noone even smiled! The nurses in the room with my daughter were great too.

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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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.

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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.