Why Your Filling Fell Out
Tooth fillings can dislodge for a variety of reasons ranging from extra vigorous flossing which has loosened the filling, to biting down hard enough to break the bond of the filling. Both metal fillings and composite filling options are meant to last about 10 years but there are a variety of factors that will affect the longevity of your filling.
When you need a filling it is typically because you have cavities. Having fillings can be restorative for a decayed tooth. Good oral hygiene is beneficial for your oral health – but sometimes over-vigorous brushing or flossing can weaken the filling.
Plaque can also be the culprit. Plaque can build up around the margins of the filling and force the filling out. Dental treatment including professional cleaning can take care of the problem.
Sometimes a filling will just fall out without any cause other than wear- and- tear. However, sometimes a filling is pushed out because the tooth, or a nearby tooth, has dental caries (cavities). It is not unheard of for a tooth that has had some dental restoration done to form another cavity.
What you need to know is that when a filling falls out, it does not mean anything too serious. You may experience some tooth pain, but it can be repaired quickly and easily by Friendly Dentistry. The most important thing you can do is call Friendly Dentistry in Greensboro NC quick because there may be other problems that caused the filling to fall out.
What To Do If Your Filling Falls Out
Preserve the filling if you can. If you cannot, that is okay, but if you can spit it out into a tissue and bring it with you to Friendly Dentistry, you should. You must have to see a dentist for an exam to evaluate your next steps. Even if you are not experiencing a toothache, you need to get your tooth checked out.
Remember to keep the area clean and avoid chewing or swishing on the affected side of your mouth. You may be able to purchase over-the-counter dental cement from your local pharmacy or healthcare store. Dental cement may fill the cavity where the missing filling is to prevent debris, bacteria, or other food particles from contaminating the tooth. Avoid using dental cement if you have sensitive teeth, or otherwise experience sensitivity when applying the cement.
If you’re experiencing discomfort, you can treat the pain with OTC pain medication or oral numbing topicals. We’d like to remind you that even if your pain goes away, you should still visit the dentist to have your dislodged filling treated.
What You Should Keep An Eye On In The Meantime
Friendly Dentistry makes every effort to get local Greensboro, NC patients in with missing fillings as soon as possible. If you need to wait a few days before your appointment, there are some things you should keep an eye on to make sure the situation doesn’t worsen. Contact Friendly Dentistry an emergency dentist if you experience anything out of the ordinary.
Such symptoms may include worsening tooth pain that isn’t easily or reasonably treated with OTC pain medication. If the tooth begins to secrete fluids or discharge – including blood – this could be a sign of potential infection. If you notice any foul-smelling odors from your mouth, be sure to mention this to your dentist immediately. Should you further crack or damage the affected tooth, take extra precautions with the area to prevent more trauma.
While unlikely, if you develop these symptoms, contact your dentist or other medical health professional immediately for professional guidance specific to you and your oral health.
Before You Get To the Dentist
If you cannot make it to the dentist as soon as the filling falls out, it is important that you take extra care with your oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene is critical while you wait to see the dentist at Friendly Dentistry in Greensboro NC.
Use a saltwater rinse at least twice a day to ensure nothing gets lodged in the tooth cavity where the filling fell out. When we see you for your appointment, we will take X-rays to determine if the filling came out because of something you ate or if there is a dental problem lurking.
In many cases, the process is simple – we just replace the filling. In other cases, there may be a dental procedure that is needed to ensure good oral health. We may decide to replace instead of repairing a damaged filling that fell out for several reasons, including how long ago your filling became dislodged. In both cases, your tooth will be restored and healthy when your visit is complete.