Although dental fillings are getting better all the time, they’re not designed to last forever. Your dentist may recommend replacing your fillings; however, every now and then your filling may fall out all on its own.
Losing a filling is considered a dental emergency. Follow the below steps if your tooth filling has fallen out.
#1 Call Your Dentist Immediately
The first thing you need to do is get in touch with your dental office. Most dental offices will have slots blocked throughout the day specifically for dental emergencies. Your dentist will likely try to get you into their office that day, but if you need to wait a day or two it’s not the end of the world. Don’t wait longer than 3 days to see your dentist.
#2 Try to Find the Filling
If possible, try to find the filling so that you can bring it to the dentist’s office. It may help them determine how the filling fell out.
It’s entirely possible that you accidentally ate the filling. Don’t panic! Your dental filling is entirely safe for your body and will pass through your system… naturally. Let nature take its course.
#3 Take Care of the Tooth
Practicing proper hygiene is especially important when you’ve lost a filling. That hole in your tooth is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and food can easily get trapped inside.
Try to gently brush and floss the area where the filling has fallen out. You can also make yourself a saltwater solution and swish it around the affected tooth several times a day. You should only need to swish the solution around for 10 seconds.
If you’re in pain, you can use over-the-counter painkillers. If you’re experiencing intense pain, make sure you see the dentist on the same day!
#4 Avoid Using Your Tooth
Until you can get to the dentist’s office, you need to avoid using your tooth to bite or chew. Try eating on the other side of your mouth.
We also recommend avoiding super cold or hot beverages and foods. Your tooth will likely be very sensitive to severe temperatures until you get fixed up.
#5 Visit the Dentist
This is not a dental appointment to cancel or miss. Make sure you arrive on time so that your tooth can get the best treatment possible. Depending on the severity of your injury, your dentist may approach the problem with a few solutions:
- A new filling: The best-case scenario is a simple replacement of your filling. This is a quick procedure and things should feel normal almost immediately.
- New crown & root canal: If a cavity has developed that exposes your tooth’s nerve you may need to get a root canal and new crown.
- Tooth extraction: Although VERY uncommon, you may need to get a tooth extraction. This is only if there’s irreparable damage.
Call Life Dentistry @ 780-758-5433 if you need help immediately. You can also book an appointment here.
