What to Do If You Lose a Dental Filling

Dental fillings are what dentists use to help in fixing a tooth if a cavity has formed. The dental filling can be constructed using a number of different materials and placed in the tooth. The goal of a dental filling is to keep the natural tooth and root in place without having to remove a tooth and find an alternative. However, although dental fillings are durable and can withstand normal eating and daily use, sometimes they can fall out. Below, we are going to give an overview of how to handle the situation in the best manner possible.

What should I do if I lose a dental filling?

Losing a dental filling is rarely considered a dental emergency. However, there can be pain and discomfort because of the exposed root and sensitive tissue. There could be enhanced sensitivity to hot and cold, as well as pressure from biting and chewing.

The most important thing to remember is not to wait too long before scheduling an appointment with your dentist about having the filling replaced. Because the filling was put in place to keep the nerves and root safe from any outside sources, having the dental filling replaced quickly is essential.

If the pain from the filling falling out is too much to bear, calling your local emergency dentist could be the best thing to do. However, most of the time the discomfort can be handled till you can visit your regular dentist.

A few things to do after losing a dental filling to help with discomfort

Finding solutions to help with the pain and discomfort after losing the filling and before you see the dentist is important. Here are a few things you can do to help:

• Using a cotton swab, put some clove oil on the affected tooth. Clove oil can typically be found in most drug stores.
• Put some dental cement, also found at most drug stores, on the tooth that is affected until you can see your dentist. This can significantly help with the pain of the exposed root and tissue.

What happens when I see the dentist for a missing dental filling?

Once you make it to the dentist and have informed them of the reason for your visit, the dentist will inspect the tooth. This will be done to ensure no other damage has occurred since the filling fell out. After that, the treatment is pretty straightforward. The dentist and dental hygienist will work to get a new filling back in place. After the new filling is completed, you will be good to go and can go about your day. The dentist will go over any special instructions, which typically include being careful in not chewing directly on the filling for 24-48 hours and opting for softer foods.

Have questions?

Do you have more questions about what you should do if you lose a dental filling? Feel free to give our office a call any time, and we will help guide you in the best steps to take. Our team is always ready to help.

Request an appointment here: https://www.providencefamilydentistry.com or call Providence Family Dentistry at (678) 496-7021 for an appointment in our Mableton office.

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