What to Do If Your Filling Falls Out in Canada
That sudden gritty crunch or sharp edge you feel is alarming. A lost filling can make your tooth feel sensitive and vulnerable. The good news: most cases aren’t an emergency, but they do need prompt care. Here’s exactly what to do now, why fillings fall out, and how a personalized plan helps you avoid repeat problems.
What should I do right now if my filling fell out?
Rinse gently with warm salt water, avoid chewing on that side, and cover the hole with dental wax or temporary filling material. Call your dentist to book a visit within a few days. Seek urgent care if you have severe pain, swelling, fever, or signs of infection.
A real-life story: Emma’s wake-up call
Emma, a 34-year-old teacher and parent, bit into a granola bar and felt her old filling pop out. She booked a same-day appointment. Instead of only replacing the filling, her dentist reviewed her habits, stress levels, and night-time jaw tension. A custom plan—better brushing routines, a night guard for grinding, and a stronger material—stopped repeat breaks and improved her overall oral health.
First aid steps you can take today
1) Rinse and protect
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water). This helps keep the area clean and reduces irritation. If the tooth is sharp or food packs into the hole, place dental wax or an over-the-counter temporary filling material over the opening.
2) Avoid chewing on that side
Stick to soft foods and chew on the other side until a dentist can assess the tooth. Avoid hard, sticky, or very hot and cold foods. These can trigger pain and cause more damage.
3) Call your dentist
Most lost fillings should be assessed within a few days. If you’re unsure whether your situation is urgent, learn more about when a problem is a true dental emergency.
When is a lost filling urgent?
Call your dentist immediately or seek urgent care if you notice any of the following:
- Severe or throbbing pain
- Swelling in the gums or face
- Fever or a bad taste (possible infection)
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Sharp edges that cut your cheek or tongue
For clear, step-by-step instructions during common dental crises, see what to do in a dental emergency.
Why fillings fall out in the first place
Fillings do wear down, but sudden loss usually has a cause. Common reasons include:
- Hard or sticky foods that pull or crack the filling
- New decay under or around the old filling
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Everyday wear and tear over years
- Moisture or bonding issues at the time of placement
Think of a lost filling as a signal. It’s a chance to fix the tooth and also fix the factors that made it fail.
“If you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist immediately.” — American Dental Association
Temporary fixes: what helps—and what to avoid
Useful short-term steps
- Dental wax or temporary filling material to protect the hole
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed)
- Warm salt-water rinses to keep the area clean
Things to avoid
- Superglue or household glues (unsafe and toxic)
- Chewing ice, hard candies, or sticky treats
- Placing aspirin directly on the gum (can burn the tissue)
The power of an individualized care plan
Replacing a filling is only part of the solution. The other part is you—your habits, diet, sleep, stress, and health history. A personalized plan makes fillings last longer and reduces future emergencies. Here’s what that can include:
1) A thorough assessment
Your dentist will review your dental history, diet, and daily routine. They may take X-rays to check for hidden decay or cracks. If you clench or grind your teeth, they’ll look for wear patterns.
2) Choosing the right material
Location, size of the cavity, your bite forces, and aesthetic goals matter. Back teeth under heavy chewing might need stronger materials or even a small onlay or crown if the tooth is weak. Front teeth often benefit from tooth-coloured composite. Compare options here: a simple guide to filling types.
3) Night guard for grinding
If bruxism (night-time grinding) is wearing down your fillings and enamel, a custom night guard can act like a cushion. It spreads out pressure, protects the tooth, and reduces jaw pain and headaches.
4) Fluoride and decay control
If you have a high cavity risk, your plan may add prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste, varnish treatments, or customized mouthwash. These strengthen enamel and help stop early decay from turning into cavities.
5) Hygiene and diet tweaks
Small changes add up. Your dentist or hygienist may recommend a softer brush, an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor, a water flosser, or swapping frequent snacking for water and tooth-friendly snacks. Many fillings fail because of ongoing acid attacks from sugar and frequent grazing.
6) Visit timing that fits your risk
For some Canadians, twice-yearly checkups are perfect. Others do better with three or four cleanings per year, especially if there’s gum inflammation, dry mouth, or a history of frequent cavities. Your schedule should fit your mouth—not a one-size pattern.
Will it hurt to replace the filling?
Most people feel only mild pressure thanks to modern numbing gels and local anesthesia. If you’re anxious, tell your dentist. They can pace the visit, use distraction techniques, or discuss light sedation options when appropriate. After the appointment, any tenderness usually fades quickly.
Eating and drinking while you wait
Choose soft foods. Avoid extremes in temperature and skip sticky or hard items. Chew on the opposite side. Drink water and keep the area clean. If food keeps getting stuck, reapply dental wax or temporary material until your appointment.
How long do fillings last?
Most fillings last about 5–15 years, depending on the material, your bite, and your home-care routine. Strong chewing forces, grinding, and frequent sugar exposure can shorten that lifespan. That’s why tackling the “why” behind the failure matters so much.
What your dentist may do at the appointment
- Check the tooth with an exam and X-rays
- Remove any decay or debris
- Place a new filling or recommend a crown if the tooth is weak
- Assess bite contact so the restoration isn’t “too high”
- Review your risk factors and create a step-by-step plan
Prevention playbook: fewer repeats, fewer surprises
- Use a night guard if you grind or clench
- Limit sticky candies, frequent snacking, and sugary drinks
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste; floss or water-floss daily
- Keep regular cleanings and exams (risk-based schedule)
- Consider fluoride varnish or prescription toothpaste if your dentist suggests it
- Protect teeth during sports with a properly fitted mouthguard
Want a broader refresher on urgent scenarios? Review this clear overview of what to do in dental emergencies.
Cost, insurance, and timing in Canada
Costs vary by province and by the type of material and size of the filling. Replacing a filling sooner rather than later usually costs less than waiting until the tooth needs a crown or root canal. If cost is a concern, ask about phased care and preventive add-ons that can reduce future expenses.
Conclusion
A lost filling is more than an inconvenience—it’s a nudge to look deeper. Fixing the tooth is step one. Step two is a personalized plan that fits your habits, bite, and risks. With the right material, a night guard if you grind, and smart daily routines, you can protect your smile and avoid repeat breaks.
FAQ
How urgent is a lost filling?
Usually you can see your dentist within a few days. But call right away if you have severe pain, swelling, fever, or a foul taste. Those can be signs of infection and need prompt care. Learn more about emergency dental services.
Can I use a temporary filling kit?
Yes, as a short-term cover. Follow the package directions and keep the area clean. A temporary kit doesn’t treat decay or fix cracks, so still see your dentist to get a proper, lasting repair.
What should I eat until my appointment?
Soft foods are best. Avoid very hot, very cold, sticky, or hard items. Chew on the other side, drink water, and rinse with warm salt water after meals to keep the area comfortable and clean.
Will replacing the filling hurt?
Most people feel little to no pain. Numbing gel and local anesthetic make the procedure comfortable. If you’re nervous, ask about extra comfort options. Mild tenderness after treatment usually fades quickly.
Which filling material is best?
It depends on the tooth, your bite, and your goals. Front teeth often use tooth-coloured composite. Back teeth under heavy chewing may benefit from stronger options. Explore your options in types of dental fillings, then decide with your dentist.
How do I stop this from happening again?
Ask for a personalized plan: the right material, a custom night guard if you grind, targeted fluoride, and practical brushing and diet changes. Regular cleanings and checkups—on a schedule that fits your risk—help you catch problems early and protect your smile.
