Imagine you were enjoying some of your favorite food. The flavor and texture remind you why you love it, but then you feel something a bit harder than the rest. You take it out of your mouth and then realize that it’s your dental filling! This can be a bit worrying, but the good news is that you aren’t in any immediate harm. Take a deep breath. It’s not necessarily a dental emergency, but here’s what to do if a filling falls out.
Step #1: Find Your Fallen Filling
As soon as you notice an odd crunch or feel a hole in your tooth, it’s crucial that you check your mouth. Find your filling and try your best not to swallow any pieces of it. There are some instances where it can be reused, but your dentist may want to take a look at it regardless.
If your mealtime rolls around, then avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Doing so or even poking at it with your tongue can irritate your tooth. Instead, just leave it and try not to let any food or bacteria into that space.
Step #2: Rinse Your Mouth and Take a Peek
Once you are done eating, it’s important to clean out your mouth. Rinsing with warm salt water can help wash away any debris and relieve some discomfort. Afterward, take a second to look at the area. If you find that there is still some food, then gently brush your affected tooth with fluoride toothpaste. This can help remove it, but you can also do this if it doesn’t cause pain.
Step #3: Deal with Any Discomfort
Many people often feel some slight pain or sensitivity, so you can take some over-the-counter medication. If you notice that there is a sharp edge or you want to cover your tooth, then you can use dental wax. However, remember that this isn’t a long-term solution; this is only temporary until you can visit your dentist.
Step #4: Call Your Dentist
Although it’s not an urgent dental emergency, your dentist will still likely see you as soon as possible. Prolonging your treatment can lead to an infection or decay. Getting scheduled right away can help prevent any future complications. Thankfully, fillings are relatively simple procedures, so you can often get them fixed on the same day if possible.
While a lost filling can be stressful, take a deep breath and follow the steps above. Your provider can help get you back to a perfect and pain-free smile.
About the Author
Dr. Andrew Hale earned his dental degree from Case Western Reserve University. While he does his best to avoid any oral health issues, he knows that dental emergencies can sneak up on you. Dr. Hale is proud to offer same-day appointments to get you the relief that you deserve. If you had a filling that came out, schedule an appointment or call his office at (802) 223-2244.