If you had a dental filling done in the past, then you might be enjoying your results from it. You have regained your bite and are able to chew a bit more comfortably than before. That said, what should you do if it falls out suddenly? There’s a rare chance this can happen as it gets older or from eating certain foods, but here’s what to do if a filling falls out and how your dentist can help in this dental emergency.
Step #1: Find Your Filling & Rinse Your Mouth
As soon as you notice your filling came out, remove it and try not to swallow any pieces of it. Rinse it off and then place it in a clean container. Rinse your mouth afterward and brush with fluoride toothpaste. However, if doing so causes pain, then simply swish around water once again.
Step #2: Assess the Issue
Take a moment to look at the affected tooth. See if there’s anything stuck inside it and whether there’s any new damage. If you are feeling some discomfort, then try rinsing with warm salt water. This can soothe inflammation, but you can always take over-the-counter medications as well.
Step #3: Protect Your Tooth
While a lost filling is a dental emergency, your tooth isn’t in any immediate harm. That said, you should still protect the exposed structure. Use dental wax or sugarless gum to cover it. This will also seal the space left behind so nothing can get in, and it’ll cover sharp edges as well.
Step #4: Visit Your Dentist
You should call your dentist right away and let them know the situation at hand. They will try to fit you in as soon as possible. When it’s time for your appointment, they will make sure no cavity or infection has formed. If so, they will take care of them and then replace the filling. It’s often best to get a new one; that way, you feel confident knowing your results will last for years to come once again.
About the Practice
At Melrose Dental Group, our team is here to help patients in the local community restore their bites with reliable solutions like fillings. Using tooth-colored materials, you can trust that it looks and feels natural. Led by Dr. Piro Leno and Dr. Konstantinos Vazouras, we are also here for your dental emergencies, so you get the prompt treatment you need. If you have a filling suddenly fall out, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling our office at (781) 665-1552.