Unfortunately, a cavity can cause discomfort and make eating or drinking difficult. However, dental fillings can easily repair a cavity and reduce the spread of decay. Although they’re designed for longevity, dental fillings may occasionally need to be replaced. To help you act fast, here are a few signs that your filling may have come out.

What Are the Signs Your Dental Filling Fell Out?

1. Feeling a Hole

Depending on the size of your cavity, you may be able to feel the hole when the filling comes out. Although it may seem like the hole is too small to notice a difference, your tongue will eventually come into contact with the tooth that lost its filling. After having a dental filling for so long, you'll be able to tell that something is missing. Alternatively, you might notice a hole or crack in the mirror while brushing your teeth. 

2. Discomfort or Sensitivity

Toothaches and oral pain can be debilitating and may also be accompanied by headaches or a sudden sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks. If you experience any discomfort or sensitivity, it's best to see your dentist to determine the cause, such as a loose or missing filling.

3. Food Getting Trapped

When a dental filling comes out, there’s an increased risk of food getting trapped in the hole. If you don’t address this, you may be at a higher risk of an additional cavity. Preventive dentistry can help catch aging fillings that may need to be replaced, but if you notice yours is gone, it’s important to get a new one as soon as possible.

4. Biting Down on the Filling 

If you bite down on something hard while eating, it might be your filling. Although some foods may have bones or cartilage, biting down on a filling is fairly common when eating hard, chewy, or sticky foods. Try to avoid swallowing the filling and contact your dentist for a replacement. 

If you think you may have lost any dental fillings, contact Ronald L. Rasmussen, DDS, in Elk Grove, CA. Dr. Rasmussen offers reliable oral health solutions to clients of all ages in the Sacramento area. In addition to preventive dentistry, he also provides patients with cosmetic solutions like teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. To read about his comprehensive services, visit his website, or call (916) 689-1100 to schedule an oral exam today.