It is evident that dental fillings do come out, and they do not last for a lifetime. Multiple reasons make the filling loose and fall out, such as new decay, biting too hard, munching crunchy foods, grinding, any trauma to the root or even a chemical reaction that might lead to tooth loosening filling. If such a scenario takes place, then you should primarily fix an appointment with the dentist. Meanwhile, it would help if you also took the necessary precautions to protect your tooth and prevent further decay. You may consult a 24/7 dentist in Waterbury, CT, for replacing the loose filling.
What to do if your tooth filling comes out?
As soon as your filling comes out, it would help if you replaced it to avoid further damage to your tooth.
- You should immediately call your dentist and fix up an appointment. Inform your dentist about your pain and make necessary suggestions to protect your exposed tooth from further damage.
- You might also keep the filling because, in some cases, the dentist might reuse it. In case you lose your crown, you may ask your dentist to fix it in its place.
- You must frequently gargle with salt water to keep the area away from any food debris to protect the tooth from bacteria. You should use lukewarm water with half a teaspoon salt to gargle. Gargle for some time, then throw the water. It is a perfect way to protect your exposed tooth from further decay.
- You should become more careful with the dental hygiene routine and brush your teeth gently and adequately, especially the area from where the filling has come out.
- Avoid chewing from the exposed tooth. It would also reduce pain.
You might get temporary filling material or dental wax to protect your tooth. However, it would help if you understood that temporary filling is a quick solution, and you have to go to the dentist for proper treatment.
What to do if your dentist is not available?
Many times, the dentist is not available, and you get an appointment a few days later. If your dentist is busy or unavailable, then also he might give you some suggestions or recommendations to take care of your teeth until the appointment. However, if the dentist is not available at all for some reason, you should go for some other dentists and not wait for further damage to happen.
How to handle dental pain if your filling comes out?
If your dentist gives you an appointment after a few days, you have to take care of your pain.
- You can take pain-reducing medicines, which would also reduce swelling to some extent.
- You can even purchase clove oil from a local drug store and apply it on exposed gum or tooth. You can even buy it online.
- Giving cold compression to the affected area can also provide relief to swelling and pain.
You may also apply some topical balm to numb the area temporarily. You either get it from a local drug store or a digital platform.
How does a loose filling cause complication?
If you do not replace your loose filling, it could cause irrevocable damage to the unprotected tooth. As food particles and bacteria stick into the hollow space, it accelerates the decaying procedure. Moreover, the missing filling would lead to dentin exposure. Dentin is the soft layer under the hard outer enamel, which gets decayed faster. Furthermore, it can create sensitivity issues because exposed dentin is quite sensitive. It would require more costly and extensive repair procedures such as extraction, root canal, or even crown if it gets damaged further. As such, you should get your filling replaced.
How to prevent your dental filling from becoming loose?
You must practice good hygiene to ensure that your filling does not become loose. Moreover, it would help if you were very regular with dental checkups to fix them in time. Here are some essential tips for practicing good oral hygiene among adults and kids. You may go to a children’s emergency dentist to treat dental issues.
- Brush your teeth two times a day.
- Every day you must floss your teeth.
- Replace your toothbrush regularly.
- Clean your tongue to remove bacteria and to have good breath.
- Meet your dentist in case of any dental issue for regular checkups and cleanings.
- If you meet your dentist every six months, then you can prevent potential dental problems.
- Avoid grinding your teeth even when you sleep. If it is a problem for you, then you can wear a mouthguard.
- You should not bite chewy foods such as toasted bagels or hard candy.
- Avoid sugary and sticky foods because they can dislodge your fillings, thereby leading to tooth decay.
You should visit your dentist if you feel that your filling has become sensitive and it is hurting. Only with good oral hygiene you can make a filling last for a long time.