Dental fillings are very durable, but they do not last forever. At some point, one of yours will probably fall out. What should you do when that happens? Do not panic, and do not ignore the situation, either. Instead, take these practical steps so you can minimize the risk of further damage to your exposed tooth:

Call Your Dentist

As soon as you realize that you have lost a filling, call your dentist. You should schedule an appointment as soon as possible so a professional can evaluate the situation and provide necessary care. Many dentists are able to accept emergency patients on a same-day basis, so do not hesitate to pick up the phone.

During your appointment, your dentist might determine that it is possible to re-insert the lost filling back into its place (if you still have it). In other circumstances, it is necessary to place an entirely new restoration to preserve the vulnerable tooth.

Protect Your Tooth

Before your dental appointment, you should take some steps to shield your tooth from harm:

• Do not chew with the damaged tooth. Chewing with the damaged tooth could cause pain and allow food particles to sneak into your cavity, increasing the risk that the decay will worsen. Try to shift food to the opposite side of your mouth.
• Keep your mouth clean. Gently brush and floss after each meal. It can also be helpful to swish with warm salt water a few times each day.
• Cover the exposed tooth. Most pharmacies carry dental wax or temporary filling material. These products can be used to protect your tooth from outside stimuli until you are able to see your dentist.

Manage Pain and Discomfort

You might find that your exposed tooth is extra-sensitive and that it is frequently in pain. Here are some things you can do to manage your discomfort:

• Take pain relievers. An over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, should be adequate. Be sure to follow dosage recommendations.
• Apply clove oil. Clove oil is a natural anesthetic that can dull pain. Simply put a little on a cotton ball and place it on the painful area of your mouth.
• Use a cold compress. Cold temperatures can ease inflammation and dull pain.
• Use a topical numbing agent. Orajel and Anbesol both work well for this purpose.

A lost filling is a dental emergency! Use the above tips to handle the situation with as little stress as possible.

Meet the Practice

The talented team at Abington Family Dental Care is proud to provide general and emergency oral health services to our community. If you are concerned about a lost filling or anything else that relates to your smile’s well-being, we would be pleased to serve you. Contact our office at 781-780-2658.