{"id":724,"date":"2022-08-11T18:06:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-11T18:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reneecorbittdds.com\/blog\/?p=724"},"modified":"2022-08-27T06:07:50","modified_gmt":"2022-08-27T06:07:50","slug":"what-to-do-for-a-lost-dental-filling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reneecorbittdds.com\/blog\/what-to-do-for-a-lost-dental-filling\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do for a Lost Dental Filling"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If you\u2019ve had a cavity or two in the past, then you know what dental fillings are. Specifically, they\u2019re composite materials that fill a damaged tooth\u2019s interior space. However, did you know dental fillings can fail over time? Indeed, they can fall out of your mouth in the right circumstances. When that happens, fixing the problem<\/a> depends on following the proper steps. To learn more, here\u2019s a summary of five things you should do for a lost dental filling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Call Your Dentist at Once<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before anything else, schedule an appointment with your local emergency dentist. While doing so, you should also explain your situation and whether you\u2019re feeling any pain. Depending on your problem\u2019s severity, you\u2019ll likely get the earliest timeslot available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At this point, you should also find and keep the filling you\u2019ve lost. Your dentist may be able to reuse it during your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be Careful of the Affected Tooth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Until you\u2019re able to see the dentist, don\u2019t do anything that could hurt the affected tooth. For instance, avoid chewing directly on the side of the mouth where the filling was. That\u2019ll keep bacteria, food particles, and other debris from entering the now-emptied space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gently Clean Your Mouth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have a meal before your dental visit, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater afterward. Not only will that eliminate leftover food, but it\u2019ll also soothe any soreness from your tooth. Add \u00bd teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water to make the mixture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, you may be able to brush the area with a toothbrush gently. Don\u2019t do so, though, if it causes pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take OTC Medicine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Try managing any discomfort from your lost filling with over-the-counter pain relievers. Brands of ibuprofen like Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve are excellent examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use Dental Wax<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since you lost your filling, the affected tooth is now exposed and vulnerable. Luckily, you can apply dental wax to protect it temporarily. This material will do two things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. It\u2019ll help block the gap in your tooth to keep food out, thus reducing the odds of infection.<\/li>
  2. The wax will also reduce tooth pain and sensitivity.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Remember, wax and other filling materials will only work for a short time \u2014 you\u2019ll still need to see a dentist for treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As you can see, losing a dental filling isn\u2019t the world\u2019s end. You can keep your tooth safe with proper care and attention until a dentist can restore it to working order!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    About the Author<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Dr. Renee Corbitt<\/em><\/a> is a dentist based in Fort Worth, TX, having earned her DDS from the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. Her specialties are preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry, not to mention sleep apnea treatments. She also maintains membership in the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Dr. Corbitt currently practices at <\/em>her self-titled clinic<\/em><\/a> and can be reached at <\/em>her website<\/em><\/a> or by phone at (817)-294-8821.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\r\n