Tooth fillings are extremely durable, but it is sadly common that they eventually wear out. What should you do if your filling has come loose or is completely missing? The Placerville Dental Group is here to help 24/7 with urgent care for lost and loose fillings.
Loose Filling
If you notice that you have a loose filling, you should:
- Gargle with salt water to remove any food debris from the area and neutralize bacteria that may cause an infection.
- Brush very gently during your dental hygiene routine.
- Avoid chewing on the area of the loose filling.
- Contact the Placerville Dental Group at (530) 295-8000 as soon as possible.
Loose fillings should be repaired promptly! If they fall out, they can be swallowed or damage other teeth while you are chewing. The gaps between the filling and the tooth are also a significant source of tooth decay and infection. Fillings left unrepaired generally lead to root canal treatments and larger restorations like inlays, overlays, or dental crowns.
Lost Filling
Sometimes you do not notice that a filling is loose or that there is space between it and your tooth. If you have lost a filling:
- Try to find the missing filling.
- Gargle with salt water to remove any food debris from the area and neutralize bacteria that may cause an infection.
- Brush the area very gently during your dental hygiene routine.
- Avoid chewing on the area of the missing filling.
- Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce swelling and pain.
- Use a cold compress for 15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
- Apply an over-the-counter topical numbing agent to numb the tooth and gums until you can see a dentist.
- Promptly call the Placerville Dental Group at (530) 295-8000.
A missing filling exposes the tooth to significant harm from oral bacteria. Quick action is necessary to prevent the need for more invasive treatments and restorations, as mentioned above.
Fix Your Filling in Placerville
It is important that your loose or missing filling be repaired or replaced as soon as possible to avoid further complications. Contact our office any day or time for emergency filling advice and appointment scheduling. We will help you smile once again!
