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My Root Canal Filling Fell Out

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I did not return to the dentist after getting a root canal last September. I still can’t afford a dentist, but the cover on the root canal tooth fell off. When I looked at the tooth in the mirror, I could see a metal rod that moved when I touched it. I don’t want to swallow the rod, but is it safe to remove it myself? Thanks. Drew

Drew,

If a root canal filling or crown falls off, see a dentist promptly instead of trying do-it-yourself methods.

What Is Root Canal Filling?

Root canal treatment steps, including opening the tooth, removing the infection, adding a post, filling the tooth, and covering it with a crown

A dental crown is the final step to protect a root canal tooth and prevent reinfection

Following a root canal, a dentist will replace the infected tooth pulp with a filling material. This filling needs protection to prevent future infection from saliva and fluids. If the filling gets compromised, the tooth can become reinfected, and you might need another root canal to save the tooth.

Protecting Your Root Canal Tooth

Dentists keep bacteria out of a root canal tooth with these steps:

  • Metal Post and Filling: Insert a metal post into the tooth for extra support and fill the tooth with dental bonding.
  • Temporary Crown: A temporary crown over the tooth provides immediate protection.
  • Permanent Crown: A permanent crown offers a durable long-term solution.

What Happens If Root Canal Filling Falls Out?

If your root canal filling comes loose, get it replaced by a dentist ASAP to save the tooth and avoid another root canal. Don’t pull the post from your tooth or wait until it falls off. Arrange financing or payment plans for your dental care and save your tooth.

Schedule an appointment with a dentist for an exam and X-ray do assess the condition of your tooth and treatment recommendations to save it.

Is my toothache making me dizzy?

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I have a toothache that comes and goes. It’s been going on for two or three months now. I haven’t done anything about it yet but my dentist says that I need a root canal. I thought I just needed a new filling. Within the past two weeks I’ve noticed dizziness with certain movements. It doesn’t happen all of the time but it is very noticeable when it does happen. Could the toothache be causing the dizziness? Denise

Denise – Your dentist likely recommended the root canal because your tooth is infected. An infected tooth and abscess can cause you to feel lightheaded and use your balance. This is a result of an infection that has spread and begun to affect the nerves of the ears, which affects your balance.

Make an appointment with your dentist. He or she will prescribe an antibiotic for the infection as a temporary measure until you receive the root canal treatment. An infection that goes untreated will continue to spread and cause more health problems.

Many patients delay root canal treatment because they have heard stories about how painful the procedure is, or how the root canal treatment went bad. The treatment can be relatively pain free. Your dentist will prepare your gums and teeth to help you feel little or no pain at all.

It is best to promptly seek treatment to stop the infection.

This blog post is courtesy of Lowell Dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.