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: http://www.drmccawley.com or call James R McCawley DDS at (615) 526-2497 for an appointment in our Murfreesboro office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Composite Fillings in Murfreesboro, TN.
Dental fillings are one of the oldest known methods of dental restoration. Dentists have been placing dental fillings for years as a way to stop damage and restore an unhealthy tooth. However, as modern dentistry has begun to take over, certain types of dental fillings are beginning to die out. Silver dental fillings were originally made…
Before we get into our discussion of the materials used for dental fillings, it is important to know what they are used for. Fillings are used to replace parts of teeth that have been affected by cavities, cracks, or damage from nail-biting or teeth grinding. There are various materials that fillings are made of. Read…
Dental bridges are a common treatment offered by a cosmetic dentist. This is because they can do so much to improve your smile and make you feel confident about yourself. If you have been looking for a cosmetic dentist, be sure to ask them about dental bridges. A cosmetic dentist can do so much with…
A person’s smile is one of the first things that they show off to the world, and a dental crown is one way to bolster that smile and restore teeth that may have sustained damage or blemishes. Dental crowns look similar to natural teeth, so no one will be able to tell at a glance…
Dental fillings are one of the oldest known methods of dental restoration. Dentists have been placing dental fillings for years as a way to stop damage and restore an unhealthy tooth. However, as modern dentistry has begun to take over, certain types of dental fillings are beginning to die out. Silver dental fillings were originally made…
A person’s smile is one of the first things that they show off to the world, and a dental crown is one way to bolster that smile and restore teeth that may have sustained damage or blemishes. Dental crowns look similar to natural teeth, so no one will be able to tell at a glance…