Have you ever had a filling fall out? Here’s what you should do

Have you ever had a filling fall out? What Should You Do and How Should You Do It?

I’m at a loss because I’ve lost a filling in my tooth!

Take a deep breath and relax. Don’t panic if you’ve lost a dental filling; there are other options available. Continue reading to learn what to do if you lose a dental filling.

What causes a filling to fall out in the first place?

It’s critical to realize that losing a filling or crown is a common occurrence. Several circumstances can result in a loose dental filling.

  • New degradation zones have emerged around the infill.
  • Foods that are hard or crunchy are chewed.
  • Bruxism is a condition in which your teeth grind against one other.
  • An accident that causes damage to your teeth or the root.
  • A chemical reaction that weakens the bond between the filling and your tooth.

It’s important to remember that it doesn’t have to fall out completely to create discomfort or other problems. It helps to capture a loose filling and protect the tooth from further damage.

What Should I Do If I Have a Missing Filling?

If you’ve lost a dental filling, make an appointment with your dentist. You might be able to get an appointment the same day or within a few days. If you can’t get to the dentist straight away, you should take extra care of the tooth.

  • Keep the area clean to prevent microorganisms from damaging the exposed tissue.
  • Chew on the side of your mouth that is opposite your teeth.
  • Use over-the-counter dental cement to cover the area temporarily unless you have sensitive teeth.

Is losing a filling a medical emergency?

A lost tooth filling is only an emergency in particular instances. Unfortunately, the exposed tissue can cause pain and make you more susceptible to additional degeneration. You should see an emergency dentist right away if you have unmanageable pain, a terrible odor or taste, or drainage from a damaged tooth.

How long can you wait after a filling falls out?

Even while missing dental fillings aren’t usually an emergency, having them replaced as soon as feasible is a good idea. The tooth is more vulnerable to germs and other influences since it is still accessible. Allowing your tooth to degrade over an extended period of time may require more extensive repair or tooth removal.

What Is the Appearance of a Missing Filling?

Though acute pain is one of the most common signs, a filling can be lost without causing any discomfort. If you have a fracture or depression in a treated tooth, or if you have temperature sensitivity, have a check inside your mouth. A hole is visible when a filling is missing since it is no longer silver or tooth-colored.

How to Handle Tooth Pain Caused by a Missing Filling

While a filling can be lost without causing pain, it is also possible to experience discomfort and sensitivity in the area. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help you manage your discomfort until you can see a dentist. A home remedy for a missing tooth filling might also be worth a go.

  • Rinse and gargle with warm salt water to cleanse the area.
  • Using a Q-tip, apply clove oil to the tooth and gums.
  • Apply cold compresses for fifteen minutes to ease pain.
  • Use a topical oral gel or cream to numb the area.

What is a Dentist’s Procedure for Replacing a Missing Filling?

The dentists at Forestwood Dental will examine your teeth and maybe take x-rays to determine the best treatment choice for you. There are three alternatives:

  • A new filling suggests that the tooth is still salvageable.
  • The presence of a root canal and a crown or cap indicates that the damage to your tooth is more extensive, and the cavity has exposed the nerve.
  • When the damage is severe enough, tooth extraction is the only option.

If you have a loose dental filling or have misplaced a filling, the professionals at Forestwood Dental can help.