{"id":185,"date":"2026-06-29T16:54:29","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T16:54:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.licdentalassociatesqueensplaza.com\/blog\/?p=185"},"modified":"2026-07-02T11:47:41","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T11:47:41","slug":"what-to-do-if-you-lose-a-filling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.licdentalassociatesqueensplaza.com\/blog\/what-to-do-if-you-lose-a-filling\/","title":{"rendered":"What Should I Do if I Lose a Dental Filling?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"A<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Your dental fillings were designed to repair damaged portions of tooth enamel that may have become compromised due to cavities or decay.  For the most part, these reliable restorations do an excellent job keeping your smile looking and feeling its best. However, on rare occasions, they can come loose, leaving patients wondering what to do if a filling falls out. If this dental emergency<\/a> happens to you, here\u2019s how to proceed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

My Filling Fell Out! Now What?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Picture this. You\u2019ve just sat down to breakfast and have taken a hearty bite of your favorite cereal. Except instead of the familiar crunch of those fruity rings, you feel something harder and scarier. It\u2019s your filling- you know, the one that\u2019s supposed<\/em> to be protecting the inside of your tooth! Now what?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, don\u2019t panic!  While it\u2019s not ideal that your restoration has gone rogue, the good news is that it\u2019s more common than you think, and much easier to fix than you might realize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, after reaching into your mouth to remove the failed filling, rinse it well with water to ensure there are no fragments of tooth or restoration left behind. Then, once everything is clear, call your emergency dentist. Explain the situation as well as you can, including the current condition of the tooth and filling and whether you\u2019re experiencing any pain. Your dental team will then determine how soon you should be seen depending on the severity of the situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you arrive at your emergency dental appointment, be sure to bring your failed restoration with you so your dentist can take a closer look at it. If you have an inlay or onlay, it may be reusable. If not, you might require a new one, or if there is new decay, a dental crown may be necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Protect Your Fillings from Falling Out<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While losing a filling cannot always be prevented, they were designed to last for up to ten years with proper care and use, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist every six months for your regular preventive checkups and cleanings<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, be sure to only use your teeth for what they were designed for: to chew food. Never tear open packages, bite your fingernails, or gnaw on pen caps with them. If you grind your teeth (known as bruxism) or play sports, talk to your dentist about having a custom nightguard or mouthguard made to keep your entire smile safe from accidental wear or breakage, and be sure to eat a diet that\u2019s low in carbohydrates and sugar, as these can increase your risk of cavities and needing new fillings going forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, while it certainly is alarming to lose a filling unexpectedly, it\u2019s nothing to be too worried about.  If it happens, stay calm, ensure your mouth is clear, and give your emergency dentist a call for further instructions. In most cases, replacing a standard filling can be done in just one dental appointment, but if not, your dentist can help protect your teeth and keep you feeling great while you wait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Our Team<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At LIC Dental Associates<\/a>, we are pleased to offer emergency dental care including same-day, evening, and weekend appointments. If you\u2019ve accidentally lost a filling that was supposed to be protecting your teeth but had other plans, don\u2019t panic. Give us a call and we\u2019ll schedule an urgent visit to repair your beautiful, pain-free smile as soon as possible. For faster attention, call us directly at 718-280-3286.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Your dental fillings were designed to repair damaged portions of tooth enamel that may have become compromised due to cavities or decay.  For the most part, these reliable restorations do an excellent job keeping your smile looking and feeling its best. However, on rare occasions, they can come loose, leaving patients wondering what to do […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-185","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat Should I Do if I Lose a Dental Filling? | LIC Dental Associates Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Wondering what you should do if you lose a dental filling? 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