Discovering that your dental filling has fallen out can be alarming, especially if it happens suddenly! Whether it’s during a meal or brushing your teeth, losing a filling can leave your tooth vulnerable to damage and discomfort. If you’ve found yourself in this position, continue reading to find a step-by-step guide to protect your tooth. This will help you cope until you can see your dentist.
Step 1: Stay Calm & Retrieve the Filling
It may be tempting to panic and rush to get help, but it’s important to take some deep breaths and calm yourself so you can think clearly. Once you’re in the right mental state, you can search for your filling. Sometimes it will fall out or become lodged in the food you were eating. However, it’s also easy to bite into or swallow the filling accidentally. Once you find it, rinse it off and call your dentist.
Step 2: Schedule Your Appointment & Follow Instructions
Now that you have your filling secured and your dentist on the phone, you can schedule your appointment. If you’re in pain due to an exposed nerve or additional dental damage, you may ask for an emergency visit, otherwise, simply go in at the most convenient time for you.
In the meantime, your dentist will give you some at-home care instructions to keep your tooth protected until your appointment. While these instructions can vary, there are some generally good tips, such as:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm salty water to inhibit bacteria and flush away food particles.
- Brush your teeth twice a day and be gentle near the exposed tooth. Also, be sure to floss daily to prevent bacterial plaque from building up in the open tooth.
- Use dental cement or orthodontic wax to temporarily cover the exposed tooth.
- Avoid hot, cold, sweet, and acidic foods that may cause tooth sensitivity or discomfort.
- Apply a cold compress for 20 minutes at a time to reduce any pain or swelling around the affected tooth.
- Take over-the-counter pain medications when needed for relief.
Step 3: Attend Your Appointment
Once you see your dentist, they can easily clean your tooth and repair or replace your filling. They may also offer advice on preventive measures for future filling failures, including regular dental checkups and home oral care.
So, while losing a dental filling can be upsetting, it’s not the end of the world! With these steps, you can protect your tooth and manage any discomfort until you get professional care. Together with your dentist, you can keep your smile happy and healthy for a bright future!
About the Practice
If you’re looking for a professional and caring dentist for your next appointment, Dr. William Carini and Dr. Kirsten Farr fit the description! They use advanced dental technology and practiced techniques to bring smiles to all their patients with compassion and skill. Call (414) 209-7465 to schedule an appointment at Advanced Dental Treatment Center or visit the website to discover other services.