If a dental filling just fell out of your mouth, chances are you’re anxious and scared. In fact, you may even feel pain in the affected tooth. However, it’s crucial not to panic over the situation. To protect your oral health, you need to take the proper steps as soon as possible. That being the case, then, your local dentist is here with some help. Read on to learn four things you should do to manage a lost dental filling in Cary.
1. Call Your Emergency Dentist
Contrary to what you might think, you can’t fix a lost filling alone — trying to would worsen things. Therefore, the very first thing you should do is call your emergency dentist. In particular, tell them about the incident and book the earliest available appointment. Even if they can’t see you immediately, you can still ask for suggestions about protecting your exposed tooth.
Remember, you must treat this issue quickly. If you don’t, a lost filling can result in more decay and damage.
2. Clean the Affected Tooth
With your filling gone, the affected tooth is exposed to bacteria and other forces. Given this fact, keep the pearly white clean until you visit the dentist.
For example, consider gargling with salt water. Doing so can stop bacterial growth, as well as reduce plaque and inflammation. Plus, it would remove any food debris from the tooth.
If careful, you can also brush the area with a toothbrush. You’d have to be gentle, though, not to aggravate the issue.
3. Avoid & Prevent Pain
Often, a tooth without its filling is more sensitive than usual. To compensate, avoid and prevent dental pain as much as you can.
One good way to prevent pain is to avoid chewing near the exposed tooth. The practice would not only cause discomfort but also get debris and bacteria into the area.
Another method is to take over-the-counter pain relievers. In that case, use what typically works best for you and follow the dosage instructions.
4. Try Dental Wax
Despite your efforts, food could still get into the affected tooth. As such, you may want to get a temporary filler.
Short-term fillers can often be found at pharmacies. In particular, they take the form of dental wax made of zinc oxide.
Ultimately, a lost dental filling in Cary isn’t the world’s end. Using the tips above, you’ll be well on your way to solving the problem!
About the Practice
Cary Dental Rejuvenation is based in Cary, NC. As led by Dr. Bikram Singh, our practice strives for personalized, patient-centered dental care. To that end, we perform high-quality preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, not to mention emergency procedures. If you have crooked teeth, our office can also provide Invisalign clear aligners. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (919)-460-5454.