Filling fell out, Can I wait it out?

Question

I have a filling in one of my back teeth that fell out. Right now I have no serious pain when I eat. I don't have dental insurance and I am a poor college student. I was quoted $150 for xray and a couple hundred for the filling. My question is, if I just let this go untill july, will the tooth be ok? or do I need to get it refilled right away. I am not going to have money untill this summer.

Answer 1

I'm a dental hygienist.

Fillings don't normally just fall out, that happens for a reason. Most of the time it's because bacteria has seeped between the old filling and the tooth surface and caused decay around the edges. Fillings aren't glued into teeth, they fit into teeth much like a puzzle piece interlocks, so when any part of the surrounding tooth structure is compromised, as with new decay on the edges or underneath, that weakens the tooth and a piece can break away, freeing the filling to come out. When a filling is out, that tooth is more fragile and vulnerable to cracking or breaking further, which in the end will be much more expensive to repair. At this point, you should start with the xray and exam which will give the dentist an idea of what type of treatment you need ( the tooth can just be prepped and filled again if the area only has a small area of decay and no further tooth has been damaged). I don't know where you live but I'm in central Illinois and at my office, an exam and xray would cost about $60 maximum. The cost of the filling depends on how many surfaces of the tooth it covers. A small one on the chewing surface of the tooth would cost less than a large filling that covers 3/4 of the tooth because that takes alot longer to prep and uses more filling material. So no one can quote you a price for a filling over the phone without actually seeing you and diagnosing the situation. I understand your money issues and I have a few ideas for you. First, check with your local health department, they may recommend a low cost dentist. Also since you are a college student, if you are at larger university, perhaps they have a dentist available to students through their health clinic? Many general dentists will work out a payment plan with you if you explain your situation and are sure to make good on your bills. And last of all, check out local dental schools, the work is done by the student dentists and is low cost or even free. Their work is done under strict supervision of their instructors and is excellent, just takes longer than a regular dental office would. You'd be doing the dental student a huge favor too, we need patients so we can meet our quota of cases to complete!
Please don't let this go for very long. Even though you aren't feeling any discomfort right now, something is definitely wrong with the tooth. If you wait until it hurts, that means that the nerve is then involved and I guarantee you that will be ALOT more money! Good luck!

Answer 2

check with your city or a church(i know ours has a place they send people)to see if there is anywhere for people who need dental work done that do not make much money. Sometimes a teaching college will also help you out if you let a student do the work!! I wouldnt wait til july that is too long and you only have one set of teeth in your life you need them!!

Answer 3

I have almost never seen a filling that just "fell out" for no reason. Almost always there is a huge cavity that has formed underneath the filling that caused it to fall out. If it's not hurting you may be OK to wait, but don't put it off any longer than you have to. Waiting often makes the treatment more involved (and unfortunately more expensive.)

Answer 4

If you don't have pain, then you can wait it out. But you don't want to get a cavity in that area. Avoid eating sweet and sugary foods, avoid sticky stuff also.

Always brush your teeth after every meal (when you don't have dental insurance, then brushing and flossing IS your insurance!). Good luck!

Answer 5

it depends. it can get worse or it can be ok. some of it depends on your oral hygiene habits. if you live near mexico, go there because it is cheaper. i recommend you get an ionic toothbrush (not sonic) and neydent if you can.

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Answer 6

They sell temperary cement at Walgreens. It is the same as a temp you get at the office. You must plac eit carefully . Dry the tooth and keep it dry with cotton rolls , or guaze. But the kit with the mirror and explorer to remove the excess away from the gum line. It will wear out, fall out if you eat sticky, but it can last if you take care of it. Try to stay awayfrom sweets until you get in.

Answer 7

KEEP THE TOOTH CLEAN, AVOID SUGARY FOOD RINSE WITH A FLUORIDE RINSE, LIKE ACT FOR 1 MIN. BEFORE BED, AND SAVE UP $ UNTIL YOU CAN SEE A DENTIST.