Millions of dental filling procedures are done yearly in the United States. With it being so common, there are bound to be times when fillings will come loose, crack, or dislodge from the tooth. You may be wondering what the symptoms are and what to do if it happens to you.
Dental fillings, also called restorations, treat cavities. They also help prevent tooth decay. When you go for an appointment for a filling, the dentist removes all tooth decay and inserts the filling. They remain in the tooth from 5 to 25 years, depending on the material used, location of the filling, and at-home oral hygiene practices. Over time, sometimes, they just become loose. Added tooth decay and stress can also cause a dental filling to become loose or fall out, as can eating sticky or hard candies.
Symptoms of a loose, broken, or missing filling are increased sensitivity, pain, or the surface of your tooth just feeling “ off.” Sometimes, you can look at the tooth with a mirror and see that the filling has separated from the tooth. Early detection is vital because you do not want your tooth to receive more damage.
If you believe you do have a loose filling, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible. If he can’t get you in for an appointment quickly, he may be able to give you suggestions on how to manage the situation until he can see you. Some dentists recommend a temporary filling or dental wax to protect the tooth until a dentist can properly fix it.
It is important to continue brushing and flossing as you usually do. To kill bacteria and help guard against infection, gargle with salt water or an antiseptic mouthwash. Avoid chewing on the tooth until you can get your dental filling fixed.
If you are in pain, you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve your discomfort. Many people also find relief by using cold compresses or an oral numbing gel.
Once your dentist can see you, she will remove the broken or loose dental filling and replace it with a new filling. Sensitivity may remain for a day or so, but you should be feeling back to normal very quickly.
To help your fillings last longer, be sure to brush and floss regularly. Avoid grinding your teeth; use a mouthguard at night if necessary. You will also want to stay away from eating ice or extremely sticky foods. When eating anything hard, chew carefully. Make sure to see a reputable dentist regularly and follow all his directions.
By taking these precautions, you may be able to minimize your chances of encountering a loose, broken, or cracked filling. However, if you notice that something feels wrong, don’t hesitate to call your dentist. He is eager to help you and make sure that your teeth are healthy for years to come.
Request an appointment here: https://gurzfamilydental.com or call Gurz Family Dental at (909) 740-8288 for an appointment in our Fontana office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Composite Fillings in Fontana, CA.
There is no need to panic if you have just found out you have a cavity; the most common treatment approach is to undergo a dental filling procedure. Dental fillings materials can be made from resin, ionomers, gold, amalgam, or ceramics and are used to replace decaying tooth material during the filling process.Although it may…
Dental fillings are not enjoyable procedures, however, they are often necessary to restore teeth that are in bad shape. Thankfully, there are a few ways that patients can avoid having to get a dental filling altogether. Want to learn how to avoid getting a dental filling? This article outlines some important information that can be useful when…
If you find yourself hiding your smile due to imperfections on your teeth, a meeting with the general dentist for cosmetic dentist treatments can transform your smile. Whether you wish your teeth were straighter and whiter with no flaws, there are different dental procedures available to transform your smile. This article covers a few of…
A cosmetic dentist is a dental professional who helps patients improve the confidence they have in their smile by addressing anything that may make them feel insecure. Examples of concerns patients often have about their smiles are stained teeth, misaligned teeth, short or uneven teeth, and more. This guide provides four questions you can ask…
Dentures help some people regain their smiles without surgery. Breaking them in is important. It is the period of making your prosthesis a part of your life. Learning how to wear your dental prosthesis is important. If you want to find out how to maintain a secure and comfortable attachment for your dentures, here are…
Dental crowns are one of the versatile restorations used in dentistry. Crowns are used to save damaged teeth that cannot be saved using less invasive procedures. Damage can occur to teeth at any time, leaving them severely compromised.Placing a crown on a tooth requires making permanent alterations by removing enamel to create a better fit.…