What to Do If Your Filling Falls Out (Before You Panic)

It can be a scary feeling — you’re eating, brushing, or just going about your day when suddenly you feel something hard in your mouth, and realize your dental filling has fallen out. While it might feel alarming, don’t panic! A lost filling is more common than you think and can be handled safely with the right steps.

In this guide, we’ll explain why fillings fall out, what to do right away, and how to protect your tooth until you can see your dentist.

1. Stay Calm and Remove the Filling Piece

First things first — stay calm. Losing a filling isn’t usually an emergency, but it does require attention. If you feel the filling piece in your mouth, gently remove it so you don’t accidentally swallow or choke on it.

What You Should Do:

Carefully rinse your mouth with warm water to clear out any debris.
Avoid poking the area with your tongue or fingers — this can cause irritation.
Keep the filling piece in a small container or bag, as your dentist may want to see it.

In most cases, your dentist will need to replace the filling entirely, but saving it can help them assess what went wrong.

2. Check for Pain or Sensitivity

Once the filling is out, the exposed tooth surface may be sensitive to temperature, pressure, or even air. That’s because the protective barrier the filling provided is now gone, leaving the nerve inside more vulnerable.

To Manage Discomfort:

Avoid eating or drinking anything too hot, cold, or sweet.
Chew food on the opposite side of your mouth.
If you experience pain, take mild pain relief (such as paracetamol or ibuprofen) — but only as directed.
You can use sensitive toothpaste to ease discomfort temporarily.

If pain becomes severe or constant, it’s best to contact your dentist right away.

3. Protect the Exposed Tooth (Temporary Fixes)

If you can’t get to your dentist immediately, it’s important to protect the exposed area. Leaving a tooth uncovered for too long can lead to infection, decay, or further damage.

Temporary Solutions:

Visit your local pharmacy — most sell dental repair kits designed for lost fillings. These kits include temporary filling material that you can apply yourself.
Make sure the tooth is clean and dry before applying the temporary material.
Avoid sticky or hard foods that might dislodge the temporary filling.

Remember, this is only a short-term fix. You’ll still need to see your dentist as soon as possible to properly restore the tooth.

4. Schedule a Dental Appointment Quickly

Even if your tooth isn’t hurting, you should never ignore a lost filling. The longer you wait, the higher the chance of bacteria entering the exposed area, which can lead to infection or decay.

What Your Dentist Will Do:

Examine the tooth to check for damage or infection.
Remove any debris or decay.
Replace the old filling with a new, properly sealed one — or recommend another treatment if needed (like a crown).

It’s best to book an appointment within a few days of losing your filling to prevent complications.

5. Understand Why Fillings Fall Out

Knowing the cause can help prevent it from happening again. Fillings can loosen or fall out over time due to several factors.

Common Causes:

Wear and tear: Over time, chewing pressure can weaken fillings.
Tooth decay: New decay around the filling can loosen it.
Biting on hard foods: Crunchy or sticky foods can dislodge older fillings.
Poor bonding: Sometimes, the filling simply didn’t adhere well to the tooth surface.
Grinding teeth (bruxism): Constant pressure can break or loosen fillings.

Your dentist can help identify the reason and suggest ways to prevent repeat issues — such as using a mouthguard for grinding or switching to a stronger filling material.

6. Prevent Future Filling Problems

Once your tooth has been fixed, take a few precautions to extend the life of your new filling.

Prevention Tips:

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.
Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pen caps.
Tell your dentist if you grind your teeth or experience sensitivity.

With proper care, dental fillings can last many years — sometimes even decades.