You probably didn’t even know your dental filling could loosen and fall out! It takes just about anybody by surprise when it happens, and that sudden shock could send you into a tailspin, especially if you can’t locate the filling right away. How do you handle this particular dental emergency? No sweat – we’ve got your guide right here for what to do if you lose a tooth filling.
Find the Filling If Possible
When you first notice your filling has fallen out, look for it if you can do so safely. If you find it, rinse it gently with clean water and place it in a small, clean container. Bring it to your dental appointment.
Your dentist can determine whether the filling is intact and whether it provides useful information about what happened. However, don’t worry if you can’t find it. You don’t necessarily need the old filling for your dentist to treat the tooth.
If you think you swallowed the filling, it will generally pass through your digestive system. If you believe you inhaled it or develop breathing difficulties, seek immediate medical attention.
Rinse Your Mouth
Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to remove food particles and debris from the affected area. Avoid vigorous rinsing or poking the exposed tooth with your fingers or other objects.
If the tooth has a sharp edge that is irritating your tongue or cheek, be especially careful while eating and speaking.
Protect the Tooth!
A tooth that has lost a filling may be more sensitive and vulnerable to further damage. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth housing the affected tooth, particularly if the tooth feels painful or has a large area of exposed tooth structure.
Choose softer foods temporarily and avoid very hot, cold, sticky, or hard foods if they trigger sensitivity.
Continue brushing your teeth, but be gentle around the affected area. Keeping the tooth clean can help prevent additional plaque buildup while you wait for treatment.
DIY Fixes Aren’t Advisable
You may find temporary dental filling materials at a pharmacy, but these products should only be used according to their instructions and should not replace professional dental care. Never use household glue or other adhesives to put a filling back into your tooth.
A dentist needs to examine the tooth to determine why the filling came out and whether additional decay, cracking, or other damage is present.
Contact an Emergency Dentist
A lost filling isn’t always a life-threatening emergency, but prompt dental attention is important. Contact an emergency dentist, especially if you have significant pain, swelling, bleeding, sharp edges, or sensitivity that makes eating or drinking difficult.
Your dentist may be able to replace the filling. However, if the tooth has developed additional decay or structural damage, a crown, root canal treatment, or another procedure may be necessary.
Even if the tooth stops hurting after the filling falls out, don’t assume the problem is resolved. Schedule an appointment with your dentist so the tooth can be evaluated. Acting quickly can help protect the tooth and reduce the risk of a more serious dental emergency.
About the Practice
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency in Ponte Vedra Beach, our team at Palm Leaf Dental is committed to helping you out of pain. Drs. Farpour Nami and Eric Broe bring a compassionate, conservative approach to dental care and prioritize patient comfort. Please contact us as soon as possible at (904) 373-1300 for urgent care or you may reach us through our website.