What To Do If You Loose A Filling

Dental fillings are necessary to prevent tooth decay. When a tooth starts to decay a dentist uses a drill to remove the decaying infected part of the tooth and then uses a filling to keep the tooth intact. In some cases, a filling can fall out. If your filling has fallen out you need to immediately call an emergency dentist and set up an appointment.

What Causes a Filling to Fall Out

Although dental fillings are designed to be a semi-permanent solution to a cavity, they do not last forever. Fillings are a different material from your teeth are simply bonded to them. There are a variety of issues that could cause a dental filling to get loose and break away from the tooth. These reasons include:

• Chewing too hard on crunchy foods
• Trauma to the tooth (including a sports injury)
• Grinding your teeth (bruxism)
• A chemical reaction that has loosened the bond over time
• New decay surrounding the filling

If you have already had a cavity in a tooth, it is not unlikely that a new cavity could develop around the filling which could cause the filling to dislodge.

What To Do When A Filling Falls Out

The first thing you should always do when a filling falls out is to call your dentist and set up an appointment. Explain, that you have lost a filling and find out when their next available time is. Until you can go to the dentist you should take care of your tooth. Let your dentist know if you experiencing any pain and if you can come in for immediate emergency dental work. If not, ask your dentist for steps you can take to prevent further damage to your tooth. Next steps include:

• Keep the filling and crown (if applicable) so your dentist can decide whether or not to reuse it.
• Gargle salt water to disinfect your mouth. Mix a small amount of salt with warm water. This can kill bacteria and prevent infection.
• Brush the affected tooth gently when you brush your teeth.
• Avoid chewing on the affected tooth and avoid hard and crunchy foods that break into small pieces.
• Use Aspirin or other pain medication if you are in pain.

Emergency Dentistry in Chicago

If you are in need of emergency immediate dental solutions, please contact one of our offices in the Chicago area. All Star Dental can help you and your kids with everything from routine cleanings to emergency procedures.