Smile Save: How to Handle a Lost Dental Filling

Imagine that you were eating one of your favorite foods when you bit into something harder than the rest. You may be worried about what you just ate, but as you take it out, you see that it’s your dental filling. It’s easy to get concerned about what this means for your oral health, but thankfully, this situation isn’t an urgent dental emergency. Here’s a guide on what to do if a filling falls out to ensure your oral health stays in great shape.

Step #1: Find Your Filling

When you notice your restoration came out or notice a hole where it once was, then you should be sure to take it out. Since it’s small, you risk accidentally swallowing it, so take just a bit more precaution getting it, especially if it’s in pieces. Your dentist will likely want to see the filling, but they may also reuse it if it’s still in great shape.

If this situation interrupts your mealtime and you want to finish, then be sure not to eat on that side of your mouth. Avoid exploring the affected tooth with your tongue, as it can lead to irritation. Instead, leave it how it is and prevent debris from accumulating in it.

Step #2: Rinse Your Mouth and Take a Look

Take a moment to clean your smile as well. Rinse with warm salt water to wash away food and bacteria that may be on or around it. This can also help soothe some discomfort you’re feeling.

There may be some debris stuck inside, so you can gently brush with fluoride toothpaste. However, if you feel any pain doing this, then don’t continue scrubbing. Try swishing water again and see if this helps.

Step #3: Get Relief and Protect Your Tooth

You can take over-the-counter medication to get relief if you’re hurting! You should also protect the affected tooth with dental wax. Using it on the hole left behind can cover any sharp edges while also preventing things from finding their way into it. This is only a temporary solution, so you’ll still need a long-term fix.

Step #4: Schedule a Visit with Your Dentist

As was mentioned above, this situation isn’t an urgent dental emergency, but your dentist will likely want to see you sooner rather than later. When left for too long, you risk developing a cavity or infection, which can spell bad news. By giving your provider a call, you can get more personalized advice about this situation while getting scheduled for the treatment you need toward a comfortable smile once again.

About the Practice

At Broad Park Family Dentistry, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Jeremy Rudd and Dr. Alysa Sadkin. We are dedicated to helping the Mansfield community throughout their oral healthcare journey, especially during their dental emergencies. By offering same-day appointments, we can get you in as soon as possible and give you the relief you deserve. If you had a filling fall out, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling (817) 473-6857.