What to Do With a Loose Composite Filling

Composite fillings, especially newer ones, are strong and durable but can wear out over time. The excess pressure from grinding teeth can cause them to wear out more quickly. In addition, poor dental hygiene may contribute to decay, compromising fillings. A loose filling is not a dental emergency but requires attention as soon as possible to avoid pain and increased sensitivity.

How do you know if a filling is loose?

Some symptoms of a loose filling are obvious, while others are more subtle. Young children may only realize they have a problem with their composite fillings when they see a pediatric dentist, who makes the diagnosis. On the other hand, their parent may have to make a special appointment between routine cleanings to have the dentist evaluate the child’s symptomatic tooth. The following section goes through common signs and symptoms that a child may have a loose composite feeling.

Pain

A loose filling may expose the nerves in the tooth's pulp to air, resulting in pain. This can range in severity and may be sharp, aching, or throbbing in quality. A child may feel pain, particularly when their top and bottom teeth come together due to the contact between two surfaces made of metal.

Sensitivity

A tooth with a composite filling that has come loose may be unusually sensitive to certain stimuli. These stimuli may include the following:

• Pressure
• Air
• Sweetness
• Temperature

Teeth with loose composite fillings may be sensitive to either extremely hot or cold temperatures.

Interference

If a filling is loose, it may make the contours of a child’s bite feel off when their teeth come together. They may be unable to bring their teeth together normally because the loose filling is coming between their upper and lower teeth.

Roughness

After a filling, tooth surfaces are usually smooth. If a child begins to detect roughness along a tooth's surface with their tongue, it could signify a loose filling.

Visual signs

It may be possible to tell that a filling is loose by looking at the tooth. However, kids and their parents likely do not know what to look for or recognize the visual signs of a loose filling. This is why taking children with loose fillings to their pediatric dentist is important. The dentist will know what to look for and can repair the filling in a timely manner.

What should you do if you have loose composite fillings?

If a child or their parent notices signs that a filling has come loose, the parent should contact the pediatric dentist's office as soon as possible. The situation will not improve without treatment. If anything, the problem may worsen.

If the child is in pain, the office staff will try to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. However, it may be several hours or days before they can see the dentist. In the interim, the parent can give their child kid-friendly over-the-counter pain medication or an ice pack to relieve the symptoms. The child can also gargle with antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria. Finally, they should try to keep the tooth clean by brushing carefully.