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://www.ismileteam.com or call iSmile Dental Team PC at (267) 515-6162 for an appointment in our Philadelphia office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Composite Fillings in Philadelphia, PA.
It's safe to say that you may have a dental fillings if you are reading this. Having a cavity filled is one of the top reasons a patient goes to the dentist. A filling is necessary once the tooth enamel begins to break down. A filling will stop the cavity from spreading or getting any…
Learning about your options for tooth fillings is a great idea. No longer do you have to settle for the traditional metal fillings; instead, you now have the ability to choose the type of tooth filling you want for treating your tooth cavities. According to the American Dental Association, when it comes to having a…
If composite fillings are an option you desire, give us a call. We can examine your teeth and find the best choice.If you need a dental filling to protect your teeth or prevent further infection, then consider composite fillings. These fillings provide a natural appearance by being tooth-colored. Along with appearance, composite fillings can help…
While everybody's working for the weekend, don't forget routine dental care to make the days extra bright.Even if you don't notice any signs of infection on your teeth or oral health issues, it is crucial to seek routine dental care on a regular basis. Without a routine dental checkup at least once every six months,…
Are you considering getting a smile makeover and looking into all the available options? While some people who want to makeover their smile know exactly what they want, not everyone does. This makes it a good idea for anyone interested in getting their smile made over to understand the options available, which often starts with…
A general dentist is a great resource to utilize when struggling with an unhealthy tooth. They have the training and experience to know how to handle just about any type of damage, whether it be a loose or infected tooth. When it comes to a general dentist pulling a tooth or saving it, there are…