Dental fillings are made from durable materials, but they don’t last forever. They have been known to come loose and fall out from time to time, and while there are many reasons why this can happen, it is always a stressful experience. Here’s what you should do after your dental filling falls out, including making a dentist’s appointment, managing the discomfort, and protecting the tooth until you can make it to the dental office.
Why Did My Filling Come Loose?
While a filling can come loose for a variety of reasons, a few of the most common ones include:
- The tooth structure around the filling has decayed.
- The patient has been chewing too forcefully, especially on hard or crunchy foods.
- The patient grinds their teeth.
- The mouth has suffered trauma.
- The bond between the filling and the tooth has been weakened by a chemical reaction.
What Should I Do After My Filling Falls Out?
If your filling has fallen out, follow these steps to keep your tooth healthy until it can be repaired.
- Call your dentist’s office and schedule an appointment. Describe any symptoms you are having, including if you are in pain. The staff will probably give you instructions for protecting your tooth, and it’s a great idea to stick to them as closely as possible.
- If you can find the filling, secure it and keep it in a safe place in case it can be cemented back in its spot.
- Gargle with a one-teaspoon salt and one-cup water mixture. This will help clean the area and flush away food debris from the tooth.
- Continue to practice oral hygiene normally but be especially gentle when treating the affected tooth.
- Avoid chewing with the affected tooth.
- You may want to try using dental wax or another temporary filling material to protect the affected tooth. This temporary solution may tide you over until you can see the dentist.
How Can I Stay Comfortable Until I Can See My Dentist?
In some cases, your dentist may not be able to see you immediately. If this happens, the office will probably provide you with instructions to help you stay healthy and comfortable until then. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage any discomfort. If the tooth still hurts, you can try applying clove oil to it with a cotton ball. You may wish to relieve pain and swelling by holding an ice pack or cold compress to the area for about fifteen minutes at a time.
Your dentist is well-equipped to repair your tooth after you lose a filling. Getting the help you need can save the tooth from further damage and help you stay comfortable.
About the Author
Dr. Wael M. Kassem earned his dental doctorate at Temple University and completed a General Practice Residency at Kings County Hospital in New York City. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the New Jersey Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Williamstown, NJ offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. If you have lost a filling, dial (856) 818-9998 or contact the office online.
