There are a variety of things that can make dental fillings come out. For example, biting down on hard candy or popcorn kernels may cause them to loosen. Whatever the reason is for your filling failing, it can be stressful and difficult to know what to do. If this ever happens to you, follow these six steps to get things under control and protect the tooth from further harm while you wait for your dental appointment to have it fixed.
Step #1: Reach Out to Your Dentist
As soon as the filling comes out, call your dentist so they can walk you through the next steps. If they won’t be able to see you for a while, ask for recommendations on how to protect the tooth in the meantime. If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort, let them know so they can recommend temporary fixes.
Step #2: Keep the Filling
If you’re able to locate the lost dental filling, keep it somewhere safe until you can see your dentist. At your appointment, they will be able to determine if it can be reused or if they will need to have a new one made.
Step #3: Gargle with Salt Water
Add 1/2 a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water. Gargling with this mixture will cleanse the damaged tooth and kill any bacteria that can lead to additional damage.
Step #4: Chew with Caution
Until you can have the tooth repaired by your dentist, chew your food on the other side of your mouth. This will lessen discomfort and help you avoid getting food lodged in the damaged tooth.
Step #5: Use a Temporary Fix
Dental wax can be put on the damaged tooth to create a smooth surface while you wait to see your dentist. Temporary filling material, which bonds to the enamel, has a natural, calming effect on irritated tooth nerves. If the damaged tooth is causing you any pain or discomfort, you can also try:
- Clove oil – Place either a few drops of clove oil or a whole clove on the exposed tooth and the surrounding gums.
- Ice pack – Use either an ice pack or a cold compress for 15 minutes at a time to numb the area around the tooth.
- Pain medicine – Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to temporarily alleviate discomfort. If it’s something new, check with your dentist first.
- Numbing agent – Use a topical numbing agent to numb the gums around the tooth and lessen any discomfort or pain you may feel.
Step #6: Brush Carefully
Continued to brush and floss the damaged tooth as part of your normal oral health routine, but be careful when doing so. This will prevent additional harm.
Losing a filling may be alarming, but accidents happen. With the above tips and a good dentist, your tooth will be as good as new in no time!
About the Practice
Losing a dental filling can be stressful, but South Ridge Dental is here to help. They can help you get the situation under control and schedule an appointment to come in and have it reattached. If the filling can’t be reused or you weren’t able to locate it, your dentist can have a new one made. Before you know it, your smile will be healed and back on track. For more information on what to do about a lost dental filling or to schedule an appointment, call (402) 423-1616 or visit their website.