What Should You Do If Your Teeth Filling Comes Loose?

 

Losing a dental filling can be unexpected, alarming and definitely startling. A filling may become loose and fall out due to numerous reasons. First, it may loosen when your teeth go through a lot of pressure from chewing. Second, the bonding of the filling may loosen due to saliva getting into the cavity and gradually reacting with the filling. Worse still, a filling may fall out or loosen due to tooth decay in which the root of the tooth decays away.

When the dental filling becomes loose or falls out, there are certain steps that you will need to take to protect your tooth. If the tooth is left untreated, food particles can get into the cavity and cause bacteria to grow and worsen the decay. If you have a loose filling or one that has fallen out, there is no reason to panic. Here are easy steps on what you should do if your teeth filling comes loose.

Step 1: Remove and Keep the Filling if You Can

In case your dental filling comes loose, it is important to get it out of your mouth immediately. If you don’t, you may run the risk of choking on the material or swallowing it. Additionally, it is a good idea to keep the filling and bring it with you to your dentist. The dentist will be able to determine whether the filling can be cleaned and restored or if you will need a new one.

Step 2: Contact Your Dentist and Schedule an Appointment

After removing the loose filling, contact your dentist to schedule for an appointment at the earliest date possible. Your dentist might be able to schedule your appointment during the time set aside for emergency dental needs. However, if you will need to wait until a later dater, then the following steps may be helpful to protect your tooth.

Step 3: Carefully Clean Around the Affected Tooth

Gently brush the affected tooth to clean out any food debris that may be stuck in the exposed area. Also, avoid any areas that you discover cause pain.

Step 4: Use a Temporary Filling Material to Protect the Tooth

You can mould dental wax into the tooth to temporarily fill the space and protect it from bacteria entering. Additionally, you can use dental cement to coat the hole left by the filling. However, avoid using dental cement if contact with the hole causes pain.

Step 5: Find Temporary Pain Relief

Your dentist may recommend taking over-the-counter pain medication to help with any discomfort or sensitivity.

Bottom Line

If you have a dental filling that is coming loose, the best thing to do is call your dentist. The simple steps mentioned are meant to be a temporary solution to your oral issues. There is no reason to panic since there is always a solution for every smile. So, if you are having issues with your teeth filling, feel free to contact or visit us at Springvale Dental Clinic. Our team will be glad to be your dental partner and get your smile healthy and attractive again.