A filling falls out of a tooth – the situation is unpleasant, but fortunately not critical. The main thing is to take prompt measures to avoid further complications. The first thing to do is to rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water to remove food debris and, possibly, pieces of the filling. It is important to remember that you should not swallow a fallen filling, although this is not dangerous.
If a filling falls out, perform a visual inspection of the tooth
Pay attention to the size of the cavity, the presence of sharp edges or discomfort. If the cavity is large and sharp edges injure the tongue or cheek, you can temporarily close it with a piece of cotton wool or special dental wax, which is sold in pharmacies. This will help avoid irritation and protect the tooth from food getting into it.
Pain is a common companion to a fallen filling. If you feel pain, take the painkiller you usually use. Ibuprofen or paracetamol will help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. If the pain is severe, you can use local anesthetics in the form of gels or sprays, which are sold in pharmacies.
Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible
Do not postpone a visit, even if the tooth does not hurt. An open cavity is a gateway for bacteria that can cause caries, pulpitis and other serious diseases. The sooner you see a doctor, the easier and cheaper it will be to restore the tooth.
Before visiting the dentist, try to follow a gentle diet. Avoid hard, sticky, hot or cold foods that can increase pain or damage the tooth. Brush your teeth with a soft brush, especially carefully around the tooth with a fallen filling to remove food debris and plaque.
During the appointment, the dentist will assess the condition of the tooth and determine a further treatment plan. Options may vary: re-filling, installing a crown or, in extreme cases, tooth extraction. The choice of method depends on the degree of tooth decay and the general condition of the oral cavity.
Be sure to let your dentist know how the filling fell out. This will help them better understand the situation and eliminate the cause of its loss. They may need to take x-rays to make sure there is nothing wrong with the tooth. Be open and honest with the specialist to get the best treatment outcome.
Prevention is the best way to avoid problems with filling
Visit your dentist regularly for preventive examinations and professional teeth cleaning. Maintain good oral hygiene: brush your teeth twice a day, use dental floss and mouthwash. And, of course, avoid excessive consumption of sweets and sour foods, which contribute to the development of caries.
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