Fillings last a long time, but not forever. After many years of use, fillings can fall out. When this happens, it’s important to get help from your dentist in Jacksonville, FL. The professionals at Dr. Matt Henry can help. First, you’ll have to recognize the signs that your filling has fallen out.

Signs Your Filling Fell Out

If your filling falls out, you may notice several signs of a problem. Some examples:

1. Sudden pain. You may feel sudden pain in your tooth. This can happen any time after a filling falls out because, without your filling, your tooth is vulnerable.
2. Sensitivity to heat and cold. Your tooth may feel sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures after your filling falls out. Although everyone feels some sensitivity to heat and cold in their teeth, this will be sharper than usual and contained to one part of your mouth.
3. Hole in the tooth. When you run your tongue around your tooth, you may feel a hole there or a rough surface that didn’t used to be there.
4. Food gets caught there. More food may get caught in your tooth than usual, because there is an exposed hole in your mouth.
5. Feel the filling. You may actually feel the filling when it falls out. You may accidentally bite down on the filling.

What Should You Do If You’re Missing a Filling?

If you’re missing a filling, get help from your dentist. A missing filling can leave your tooth vulnerable to tooth decay and infection. At Dr. Matt Henry, we offer composite and amalgam cavity fillings in Jacksonville, FL. We can help you decide which type of filling is best for you. Call today to make your dental appointment.