Can You Pull a Filling or Crown Out When You Floss?

Permanent crowns and fillings are cemented and bonded to your teeth to last for a long time. One question many people ask, is if their crown or filling will fall out if they floss around them?

As with your natural teeth, flossing should be a part of your daily oral hygiene routine with crowns and fillings to prevent cavities and gum disease between your teeth.   If the crown and filling are in good condition and are correctly attached, it would be very difficult for fillings and crowns to fall out with flossing.

When New Decay is Present

On the other hand, if there is decay under a crown or filling and it causes the restoration to become loose, then flossing could potentially cause a crown or a filling to come out.

Temporary Restorations

Another consideration when it comes to flossing restorations is flossing around temporary fillings and crowns.  There is a much greater chance of removing temporary restorations when flossing because they are not as strongly bonded or cemented to the teeth like permanent restorations are.  To prevent the temporary crown or filling from falling out when flossing, pull the floss out sideways instead of pulling up when removing the floss.

Does Something Feel “Not Quite Right?”

In any case, you should always floss your teeth at least once a day and don’t be afraid to floss because of restorations possibly falling out.  If you have flossed your teeth and you think you might have pulled a crown or a filling out with dental floss, contact your dentist immediately to have your teeth examined.  Your dentist will be able to determine whether or not your restoration has fallen out and what treatment you would need thereafter.

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