WHY do my fillings keep falling out?

Question

They've fallen out twice within the past 3 or so months (from separate teeth)! Both the cavities the fillings fell out of are very tiny and the dentist used white composite fillings to fill them. Why do they seem to pop out so easily?

The first one fell out on my left molar and this time it's fallen out from the right molar. Do molars just not take well to fillings or what? Do smaller cavities have a harder time holding fillings in place? Everytime my fillings come out, I can feel the tiny crumbled bits in my mouth (which has been my cue twice that my fillings fell out). How long are white composite fillings supposed to last normally?

One thing is for sure: I don't grind my teeth in my sleep. I'll tell my dentist that I can feel it crumble in my mouth and see what he says about that.

Answer 1

Composite (white) fillings are bonded into place. They must have a very strict set of circumstances (which all dentists should know how to do) to make them work. Basically, they must prepare the tooth properly, acid etch the tooth, place a primer, an binding agent, and then the filling material itself. If during the process, and saliva (ANY SALIVA) gets on the tooth from the time of etching until the filling material is light cured, then the bond will not be formed, and the filling will fall out. Another problem area is the bonding agent itself, some bonding agents don't work well, others work better.
The reason you fillings are falling out could be because of dentist error, material failure, or a combination of the two.
Either way, if it is repeated more than once on the same tooth, I would seek another dentist, If he has an explanation for the bonding problem, and tries to correct it, give him another chance. If he blames the problem on you, or ANYTHING you are doing, then find another dentist. If you no longer trust him, find another dentist.

It is better to trust someone who is working on your mouth because there are so many things that can go wrong that you may never see the ramifications until years later.

Composite fillings are expected to last 5 to 10 years.

Answer 2

Doubt it is anything you do wrong. You may have softer teeth that won't hold fillings well. I'd ask the dentist why this is happening and if there could be a cap put on to help hold the fillings in place better. It could be possible that if you're eating things like hard pretzels or other harder foods you could be loosening them up with that causing them to fall out easily. If these suggestions don't help, I'd go to another dentist for a second opinion on what to do to keep fillings in place longer.

Answer 3

Find a new dentist. Do not even go back to the one that put these fillings in. Fillings should last a very long time. I have had the fillings in my molars for at least 25 years. I think some dentists just want to keep you coming back in so that they can make more money off of you.

Ask friends and relatives what dentist they would recommend. Check to see if the dentist has any complaints or lawsuits filed against them. When you find a good dentist, stick with that dentist.

Answer 4

Tooth Filling Fell Out

Answer 5

I had the same problem, every filling at this particular filling would last less than 3 months and when I would return he would tell me that it was my fault. No matter what I ate it was if I was grinding on sand in my mouth. I decided to try another dentist and have not had the problem since. Try another dentist I did and I am glad I did! Not only am I keeping my fillings in I found a wonderful new dentist who genuinely cares about my teeth!

Answer 6

I have had a filling come out 6 times! I have had 3 different dentist replace it, so I think some teeth just do not hold fillings. This is a baby tooth that never came out (I am over 50 years old).

Answer 7

You could be grinding your teeth in your sleep and not even know it. Look at your teeth or have a friend, see if they appear to be wearing down more then they should for your age.

Tiny cavities can have a hard time holding a feeling, as also poor materials used to make a filling, did he/she use a good liner before putting the filling in. The fact you say you feel the tiny crumbles bits in your mouth, makes it sound like either grinding of your teeth, especially in your sleep or poor quality fillings is the cause. TRY a new dentist, don't keep going back to the same one. Ask the new one if he/she sees signs of your grinding your teeth, they can spot this quickly. If they say now, ask them if the quality of the fillings appears to be poort.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 8

Composite fillings may look like your natural tooth, but they're not nearly as durable as amalgrams. This is most likely a contributing factor. Go to a different dentist, as well, because he's not mixing the composite or allowing it to cure correctly if it's crumbling.

You should get your fillings replaced every 8-10 years if they're amalgrams, and every 4-8 if they're composite. Your milage may vary.

Answer 9

It could be that your current dentist did not fill the cavity tight enough with the white composite. Or maybe the cavity was not fully drilled clean.

I have also came across some write up that says "black" alloy filling last longer.

Try not to go back to your old dentist.
Good Luck.

Answer 10

No more gum or popcorn for you young lady..

Those are the two worse things in the world for teeth.

What is happening to you is indeed unusual because it happens a little too often.

I THINK

You must be cute with a bubbly personality and the Doc likes to put his hands where other guys hands just do not get to go...(smiles)

All kidding aside.. take this list of questions and march right into the dentists office and start reading.

GOOD LUCK