When you lose a filling, you must take certain steps to protect the tooth.
Losing a filling can be unexpected and alarming. Your filling may fall out for several reasons, such as eating hard foods that loosen the filling or saliva breaking down the bonding. Even worse, a filling might fall out due to tooth decay. When you lose a filling, you must take certain steps to protect the tooth. If left unaddressed, food particles can cause bacteria to grow and accelerate the decay. If you have lost a filling, regardless of the tooth’s condition underneath, you need to take care of it immediately before it gets worse.
Remove the filling
Once you realize your filling has come loose, remove it from your mouth so that you do not accidentally swallow it or inhale it. This is important to prevent you from choking on the crown, which can cause more severe problems. After you remove it, keep the filling if you can. Your dentist will be able to determine if the filling can still be used or if it needs to be replaced.
Call Your Dentist Immediately
After losing a filling, you need to call your dentist and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. You may be able to get an appointment on the same day if possible. We here at Annapolis Dental Care offer early morning and evening appointments to respond to emergencies with same-day care.
Keep It Clean
If you can not get to the dentist, your primary concern should be keeping the tooth clean and free of bacteria. Gently brush around and inside the broken tooth to remove food particles. You can also rinse your mouth with warm salt water after eating as an extra precaution.
Manage the Pain
A missing filling can cause discomfort or sensitivity around the tooth. Over-the-counter pain medication can help alleviate the pain until you can get to the dentist. You can also use cold compresses for fifteen minutes to alleviate pain or a topical oral gel to numb the area.
Avoid Certain Foods
If you are having issues with teeth sensitivity or pain near the filling before it can be replaced, try chewing on the other side of your mouth. You should avoid certain foods that can cause further decay or perhaps even cause more pain when eating. These types of food include:
- Sweet foods or drinks
- Hard candies
- Very hot or very cold foods
- Acidic or erosive foods or drinks
KEEP YOUR MOUTH HAPPY WITH ANNAPOLIS DENTAL CARE!
Whether it’s a regular check-up you need or a tooth extracted, your dentist in Annapolis is here to serve! Annapolis Dental Care has the expertise and compassion to work with you on improving your oral health. Your comfort and health are our top priorities, and so we go above and beyond to make our patients happy and give them the highest quality care. To set up an appointment today, please give us a call at 410-571-5014 or visit us online. For more oral health tips for you and your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! We are always looking for new patients, so if you live in Arnold, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, MD, come on down!