How To Cope With A Lost Filling

If you lose a filling when you are eating, brushing or flossing you will need to book an appointment with your dentist to have it replaced. In the meantime, here is what you should do.

• Call your dentist. Schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If your dentist can’t see you right away, ask their advice of what to do to protect your tooth.
• Keep the tooth clean: If you can’t see your dentist straight away, you need to keep your mouth very clean. An unfilled tooth can trap food which then causes harmful bacteria to accumulate. Brush gently and carefully inside the hole to remove the debris. You can rinse your mouth out with warm salt water after eating.
• Avoid chewing on the area of the exposed tooth.

What Should You Do If You’re In Pain

• Take an over the counter pain killer like ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling.
• Use a cold compress to relieve pain and swelling.
• Apply a topical numbing agent.

Can A Loose Filling Cause Complications?

If a filling isn’t replaced in good time, it could cause damage to the unprotected tooth. Bacteria and food particles can stick to the empty space and cause decay. The missing filling could also expose the dentine which is softer than enamel and more susceptible to decay.

If more of the tooth becomes damaged, the tooth may require extra work. This is why the sooner you get it repaired, the better.

How Long Do Fillings Last?

This depends on the materials used and your personal hygiene. If you look after your teeth and see your dentist regularly, your filling is likely to last longer.

The lifetime of the filling is also affected by the position and size. If the filling is large and expected to experience high pressure from chewing, it is likely that it won’t last as long.

How To Prevent A Filling From Coming Loose?

The key to looking after a filling is to maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular check ups. Here are some oral hygiene tips:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss your teeth everyday.
• Replace your toothbrush regularly (every three months)
• Brush your tongue to remove build up food.
• See your dentist regularly for check-ups.

Here are some other preventative measures that might help protect your fillings:

• Avoid grinding your teeth.
• Avoid chewing hard objects.
• Try not to clench your teeth.
• Be careful with sugary, sticky foods that could dislodge your filling.
• See your dentist if the filling area becomes sensitive to hot or cold, or becomes painful.

If you need help with a lost filling, please call us on 01723 670500 to see one of our dentists.