Have you ever had a filling unexpectedly fall out of your tooth? If so, you’re not alone – this can be a common problem. In this article, Lake Ridge Orthodontics will guide you through the steps to take when you experience a lost filling and how to prevent it from happening again in the future. Read on to learn more!
If you’ve ever had a filling fall out, you know how painful and frustrating it can be. But don’t worry; we’re here to help! This blog post will give you tips on what to do if your filling falls out.
First and foremost, try not to panic. It’s important to stay calm, thinks clearly, and take appropriate steps. If the filling is still in your mouth, try to gently push it back into place with a clean finger or a cotton swab. If you can’t get the filling back in place, put it in a secure container and bring it to your appointment at Lake Ridge Orthodontics.
If the filling has fallen out and you can’t find it, don’t worry. We can replace lost fillings without any problem. Just call us, and we’ll schedule an appointment for you as soon as possible.
In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to minimize discomfort and protect your tooth:
- Take over-the-counter pain medication if needed (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt dissolved in 8 ounces of water)
- Place a piece of sugarless gum or dental wax over the exposed area
- Avoid chewing on hard foods or candy
Causes of Filling Loss
There are several common causes of tooth filling loss. The most frequent cause is tooth decay, which can lead to a hole in the tooth. Other reasons include the following:
• Poor dental hygiene: If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, plaque can build up and eventually lead to tooth decay.
• Trauma: An injury to the mouth can cause a filling to fall out.
• Old age: As we age, our teeth can become weaker and more susceptible to decay.
If you have a lost filling, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible. They can determine the cause of the problem and recommend the best course of treatment.
Common Symptoms After A Filling Falls Out
If your filling falls out, you may experience one or more symptoms: sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, pain when chewing, or a toothache. If you have any of these symptoms, please get in touch with our office so we can schedule an appointment for you.
Tips for Dealing With A Fallen Filling
If you have a fallen filling, it’s important to act quickly to avoid further damage to your tooth. Here are some tips for dealing with a fallen filling:
1. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area around the fallen filling.
2. Use dental floss to remove any food particles or debris from the area around the filling.
3. If possible, try to put the fallen filling back in place using dental adhesive or wax.
4. Call your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to replace the filling.
When to See a Dentist for Replacement
If you have a heavily decayed tooth, you must see a dentist as soon as possible for a replacement. A filling will not adequately protect the tooth from further decay. In addition, if the tooth is cracked or has a large cavity, a filling may not properly seal the tooth and could allow bacteria to enter.
Types of Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are used to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay. The three most common dental fillings are amalgam, composite, and gold.
Amalgam fillings are made of silver, mercury, tin, and copper. Amalgam fillings are strong and durable but can discolor your teeth over time.
Composite fillings are made of tooth-colored, putty-like material. Composite fillings blend in with your natural tooth color and are less visible than amalgam fillings.
Gold-filled cavities require two visits to the dentist. The dentist will place a gold “shell” into the tooth during the first visit. The dentist will place a gold filling into the shell during the second visit. Gold fillings are strong and durable, but they are also expensive.
Alternatives to Traditional Dental Treatments
If your dental filling falls out, a few different treatment options are available. Depending on the size and location of the cavity, your dentist may recommend one of the following alternatives to traditional dental treatments:
1. Dental bonding: This is a quick and easy option for small cavities. The tooth-colored resin used in dental bonding can match your natural tooth color.
2. Tooth-colored fillings: These are also known as composite fillings. They are made from a mixture of glass or quartz filler and plastic resin and can be matched to your natural tooth color.
3. Porcelain veneers: Veneers are thin, ceramic shells bonded to your teeth’ front surface. They can be used to cosmetically improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, stained, or misshapen.
4. Dental implants: Implants are titanium screws surgically implanted into the jawbone. They act as artificial roots and can support replacement teeth (crowns).
Conclusion
This guide from Lake Ridge Orthodontics has helped give you an idea of what to do if your filling falls out. While it can be a stressful experience, by following these steps and contacting Lake Ridge Orthodontics for further assistance, we are confident that any damage to your tooth will be resolved quickly and easily. Getting the right help is important when dealing with such instances, so don’t hesitate to call us today!