It may come as a surprise, but losing a dental filling is more common than you might think. A missing filling can make your tooth feel sensitive, painful, and more susceptible to harm, whether it occurs during eating, brushing, or while going about your daily activities. Knowing what to do if your filling falls out unexpectedly will spare you needless suffering and keep the problem from developing into a dental emergency. If you encounter such an issue, contact your nearest emergency dentist in Brighton for treatment.
What to do when your dental fillings fall out?
Do not panic and assess the situation.
Losing a dental filling is a dental emergency. However, when you encounter such an issue, do not panic. Stay calm and rinse your mouth with lukewarm water. This will help to remove debris and keep the area clean. If you’ve the filling, keep it with yourself and show it to the dentist to understand why it became loose.
Avoid eating from that side.
The tooth beneath becomes visible and exposed when a filling slips off. It may become sensitive to pressure, temperature, and specific foods as a result. Try not to chew on that side of your mouth to prevent more harm. It’s recommended to stick to softer meals until your dentist can examine your teeth, as hard or sticky foods may exacerbate the condition.
Keep teeth and gums clean.
Prioritise oral hygiene until you get to the dental clinic. Food particles get trapped in the cavity, which can lead to decay and infection if proper hygiene is not maintained. Avoid using a toothbrush with hard bristles and chemical-based toothpastes and mouthwashes. Also, it is advisable to refrain from alcohol and smoking until the filling is again reattached to the tooth.
Take care of the sensitivity.
A missing filling often leads to temporary sensitivity. If you start to feel discomfort, take a few over-the-counter pain relief medications. Some dentists suggest using clove oil as it soothes the nerves. Use a cotton swab to apply the same. This is, however, a temporary solution while the permanent solution is to visit the nearby dentist.
Use a temporary dental repair kit.
If you are unable to contact a dentist, temporary dental repair kits are available. These kits contain safe things. Use them to get periodical relief from pain. However, remember that it is not a permanent treatment option. Dentists will check the condition and help you with further treatment options. Hence, a clinic visit is mandatory.
To prevent future problems with your gums and teeth, schedule a visit to the emergency dentist. They will examine the tooth and check for signs of further damage. They will either replace the filling with a new one or repair and fix the old one, as per convenience.
At MK Dental and Implant Clinic, we understand that dental pain can happen at the most inconvenient times, but we’re here to help.