Have you lost a filling? What to Do and How to Do It

Lost Filling

I’ve lost a filling in my tooth and am at a loss!

Relax and take a deep breath. If you have a lost tooth filling, there are various choices available to you, so don’t panic. Learn what to do if you lose a dental filling by reading on.

When a tooth filling falls out, what causes it to do so?

It’s vital to understand that losing a filling or crown is not unusual. A loose dental filling can be caused by a variety of factors.

  • Around the infill, new deterioration zones have appeared.
  • Hard or crunchy foods are chewed.
  • Bruxism is a condition in which you grind your teeth.
  • An injury to your teeth or the root as a result of an accident.
  • A chemical reaction that causes the filling’s relationship with your tooth to deteriorate.
  • Remember that it doesn’t have to entirely fall out to cause discomfort or other issues. It aids in catching a loose filling and preventing further damage.

What Should I Do If My Filling Is Missing?

Make an appointment with your dentist if you’ve lost a tooth filling. It’s possible that you’ll be able to get in the same day or within a few days. If you can’t get to the dentist right away, you should treat the tooth with special care.

  • To prevent bacteria from attacking the exposed tissue, keep the region clean.
  • Chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
  • Unless you have sensitive teeth, use over-the-counter dental cement to temporarily cover the region.
  • Is it an emergency if you lose a filling?
  • Only in certain circumstances does a missing tooth filling become an emergency. Unfortunately, because of the exposed tissue, it can cause pain and leave you vulnerable to further degeneration. If you have uncontrollable pain, a bad odor or taste, or drainage from the damaged tooth, you should see an emergency dentist at once.

When a filling falls out, how long can you wait?

Even while lost dental fillings aren’t typically an emergency, it’s a good idea to have them replaced as soon as possible. Because the tooth is still exposed, it is more vulnerable to bacteria and other factors. Allowing your tooth to deteriorate for an extended period of time may necessitate more comprehensive repair or tooth loss.

What Does a Filling That Has Fallen Out Look Like?

Though one of the most prevalent symptoms is sudden pain, it is possible to lose a filling without experiencing any discomfort. Take a look inside your mouth if you find a fracture or depression in a treated tooth, or if you have temperature sensitivity. A missing filling causes a hole that is easy to spot because it is no longer silver or tooth-colored.

How to Deal With Tooth Pain From a Missing Filling

While it is possible to lose a filling without experiencing pain, it is also possible to suffer discomfort and sensitivity in the area. Pain medications sold over the counter can help you manage the discomfort until you can see a dentist. You might also want to try a home treatment for a missing tooth filling.

  • To clean the region, gently rinse and gargle with warm salt water.
  • Apply clove oil to the tooth and gums with a Q-tip.
  • To relieve pain, apply cold compresses for fifteen minutes.
  • To numb the area, use a topical oral gel or cream.

How Will a Dentist Replace a Missing Filling?

  • When you visit the dentist, they will inspect your tooth and maybe take x-rays to identify the best treatment option for you. There are three possibilities:
  • A fresh filling indicates that the tooth can be saved.
  • A root canal and crown or cap indicate that the damage is more severe, and the cavity has exposed the nerve in your tooth.
  • Sometimes the damage is so severe that tooth extraction is the only choice.

The staff at Memorial City Dentistry can assist you if you have a loose dental filling or have lost a filling.