My tooth fillings and
caps have come off

Even if you are not experiencing pain or any visible symptoms,
please see a doctor as soon as possible.

Tooth fillings and crowns may fall out over time.
Although it varies from person to person, the lifespan of white dental plastic fillings (composite resin) used in insurance treatment is said to be about 3 years, metal (silver) fillings about 5 years, and metal caps (silver teeth) about 6 years.

If you leave it as it is...

If you leave a filling or cap removed, the underlying tooth may chip due to teeth grinding, clenching, or eating, and the tooth may become more susceptible to tooth decay as it becomes more susceptible to the accumulation of dirt.

In addition, in an attempt to fill the gap, the adjacent teeth or the teeth opposite may shift, changing the bite.
In the worst case scenario, the tooth may break or become difficult to save, requiring extraction.

If a filling or crown comes off, please come to our clinic as soon as possible.
If there is no problem with the base tooth, we may be able to reattach it, so please bring along any fillings or crowns that have come off.

Reasons why fillings come off

Secondary caries of the underlying teeth

It can be caused by cavities that occur when bacteria get into the gaps in fillings or caps, causing tooth decay. It is difficult to tell that you have cavities from the outside, and by the time symptoms such as sensitivity or pain appear, the cavities have often progressed quite deeply.

Teeth that have had their nerves removed do not feel pain even if the tooth decay is progressing, so special care must be taken. Tooth decay bacteria can get into the root or tip of the tooth.

Bite and teeth grinding problems

Problems with the bite can put extra strain on fillings and crowns, making them more likely to fall out.
Excessive force from teeth grinding and clenching over a long period of time can also cause the adhesive on metal fillings to come off, or the fillings themselves to crack or chip. People who always chew with the teeth on the same side, or who like hard foods, tend to have fillings and crowns fall out more easily.

Problems with fillings or caps

They may fall out due to damage or poor fit of the fillings or caps, or deterioration of the adhesive over time.

FAQ

If you use non-dental cement, your bite may change, which may result in chipped teeth or pain in your jaw. It also increases the risk of tooth decay, so you should get treatment at a dentist as soon as possible.

In most cases, the debris passes through the esophagus into the stomach and is expelled from the body within a few days, but if you continue to experience coughing or other symptoms, it may be stuck in the throat or lungs, so we recommend that you see an internal medicine doctor.

If there are no problems, we will provide it to you. Please be sure to remember to bring it with you.

To prevent staining and tooth decay from progressing, a temporary filling will be placed. Please bring the filling with you to your next visit.

After a certain amount of time has passed, it is possible that the tooth may move or the decay may progress. We would like to see whether the filling can be reattached or whether further treatment is necessary, so please bring the filling with you just in case.