Losing a dental filling can be upsetting, especially if it happens while you’re eating, brushing, or otherwise just minding your own business! But before the panic sets in, know that it’s not the end of the world and can be easily dealt with. Continue reading to find some simple steps to follow to recover your smile from a lost filling.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Find the Filling
If you notice a strange crunch while chewing or suddenly feel a hole in your tooth, stop and check your mouth! If you can find the filling, keep it. Even if it can’t usually be reused, your dentist may want to examine it.
In the meantime, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and resist the urge to poke the area with your tongue. Doing so can often irritate the exposed tooth.
Step 2: Rinse and Inspect the Area
Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water to flush out food particles and soothe the affected tooth. You may feel a sharp edge or slight pain, especially if the filling was deep. Do a visual inspection of the hole to make sure there’s no food or debris in it. If there is, gently brush with fluoride toothpaste to remove it.
Step 3: Ease the Pain
If your tooth is sensitive or aching, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help. You can also use dental wax (available at most drugstores) to cover the exposed area and reduce discomfort. Just remember, this is a stopgap, not a solution!
Step 4: Call Your Dentist
A missing filling is often a minor setback rather than a dental emergency. However, leaving it untreated for too long can lead to bigger problems like infection or more severe decay. Call your dentist as soon as possible to schedule a repair. In many cases, they can replace the filling quickly and painlessly on the same day.
A lost filling might be stressful, but with a good plan, it’s totally manageable. Acting quickly can help you avoid pain, prevent further damage, and get your smile back on track in no time. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and call your dentist. They’ll help you recover from this dental downer and get back to living life.
About the Author
Need a friendly face to treat you during a dental emergency? Dr. Cristina Herrera is a bright and talented dentist with the technology and the skills to help. She earned her dental doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. For a year after, she underwent a general practice residency to gain valuable experience treating patients with complex dental and medical needs. Call (408) 378-8773 to schedule an emergency appointment at Cristina Herrera, DDS, or visit our website to learn more.