Lost Filling Care in Fortitude Valley
Losing a filling can be unsettling. You might notice a gap, a rough edge or sudden sensitivity when eating or drinking. While a lost filling is not always painful, the exposed tooth is more vulnerable to decay, food trapping and fracture. At Precision Dental, we can see you promptly to protect and restore the tooth.
What Is a Lost Filling?
A filling repairs part of a tooth that has been affected by decay or damage. Over time, fillings can wear, crack or come loose. Common reasons include new decay developing around or beneath the filling, biting on hard or sticky foods, grinding or clenching, an old filling reaching the end of its lifespan, or a crack in the surrounding tooth.
When to Seek Care
Contact us soon after you notice a filling has come out, and ideally within a day or two. Book promptly if you have:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet foods or air
- A toothache or pain when biting
- A sharp edge irritating your tongue
- Food getting stuck in the gap
- A visible crack or broken piece of tooth
What to Do Before Your Appointment
Rinse your mouth gently with warm water and keep the area clean by brushing carefully. Chew on the other side, and avoid sticky, hard, sugary and very hot or cold foods. Temporary filling material from a pharmacy can help protect the tooth for a short time. If there is pain, take over-the-counter pain relief as directed if suitable for you.
What Happens at Your Appointment
We examine the tooth and take digital X-rays if needed to check for decay and assess how close the cavity is to the nerve. We explain what we find and the most suitable way to restore the tooth. For many teeth, we clean the area, remove any decay and place a new white filling that is matched to your tooth colour. If a large part of the tooth is missing or weakened, an inlay, onlay or crown may offer better protection, and many of these can be made in one visit with CEREC. If the nerve is affected, root canal therapy may be needed.
Aftercare and Ongoing Care
Wait until the anaesthetic has worn off before eating. Mild sensitivity is common for a few days. Contact us if your bite feels uneven or sensitivity lingers. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth, and attend regular check-ups so we can monitor your fillings over time.
Why Choose Precision Dental for a Lost Filling
We offer prompt appointments, tooth-coloured materials and digital imaging to assess the tooth accurately. With CEREC available in our practice, we can also provide more protective restorations in a single visit when a filling alone is not enough.
Fees, Health Funds and Payment Options
The cost of your treatment depends on your individual needs. After your examination, we talk you through your options and the expected fees before any treatment begins. We accept most major health funds, process claims on the spot through HICAPS and are a preferred provider for Bupa, HCF and CBHS. Payment plans are available through DentiCare for eligible patients, subject to terms and conditions. You can learn more on our Prices and Payment Options page.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not always urgent, but the tooth is exposed and can decay or break. It is best to be seen within a day or two, or sooner if you have pain.
Old fillings cannot be reused, so there is no need to keep them. A new filling will be placed.
Without a filling, the inner layer of the tooth, called dentine, may be exposed, which can cause sensitivity.
If left untreated, bacteria can reach deeper into the tooth, potentially leading to pain and infection.
In most cases, yes. We use composite resin matched to your tooth shade.
Most fillings can be replaced in a single appointment, typically within 30 to 60 minutes.
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Book Your Visit at Precision Dental
Whether you are due for a routine visit or ready to talk through a treatment you have been considering, our Fortitude Valley team would be glad to welcome you. Call us on (07) 3852 1160 or book online, and we will find a time that suits you.
The information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for personalised advice from a registered dental practitioner. Individual needs, experiences and results vary.
