Tooth Filling Fell Out: Act Fast To Repair

At Bright Horizons Dental, we know that a tooth filling can fall out at any time. We’re prepared to resolve this, and many other types of oral health emergencies to get you back to comfortability quickly. For your part, you’ll need to act fast. If your tooth suddenly feels hollow, or hurts when you chew, reach out to us immediately for tooth filling repair that is a part of our general and cosmetic dentistry office in Boca Raton FL.

Let’s discuss why you should seek immediate attention if your tooth filling fails or breaks.

A filling is like a seal. True for both, composite tooth colored fillings and amalgam fillings types. It’s used to protect your damaged natural teeth or tooth by blocking bacteria and food particles. If this “seal” is compromised you will experience pain. This pain may be mild to severe and prevent you from chewing, brushing, and more.

Lost Dental Filling Urgent Repair

Whether or not you are experiencing pain right now should not be used to determine if you need treatment. Even if the tooth is only mildly sensitive, you still should not ignore it because it’s likely to worsen as time passes. The longer the tooth stays “unsealed”, the more you’re at risk for further tooth decay, increase in sensitivity and pain as the tooth structure breaks down.

Some Signs To Call A Dentist In Boca Raton, Fl

If you notice these symptoms:

• your gum are swollen
• feeling feverish or chills
• experiencing sharp pain when chewing
• sensitivity to light wind exposure
• tooth filling completely removed

These are clear signs to get help. Without treatment, you’re susceptible to tooth infection. You can easily avoid infection, root canal therapy, extractions and other extensive treatments or filling procedures by acting fast.

Not experiencing pain?

Are you unsure if the tooth filling has fallen out? Try this.

Go to a mirror, open your mouth wide and pass your tongue over the area you believe is affected. Ask yourself, Do you feel a sharp edge on your tongue? Do you feel pressure, pain, or sensitivity in the area? This easy method of checking, as well as some of the symptoms above could mean your tooth filling is in need of repair.

What to do right now at home?

As stated above, a tooth filling can fall out at any time. If it’s after hours and you are looking for temporary pain/discomfort relief until you can get to a dentist try these steps.

1. Rinse gently with warm water or mild saltwater to remove debris.
2. Brush lightly to reduce bacteria buildup around the open area.
3. You may consider flossing, though you should take care to pull the floss gently through to the side so it does not snag.
4. Choose soft foods for dinner and dessert.
5. Rinse your mouth after consuming foods, especially those that are sticky or granular.
6. Choose an OTC pain reducer and incorporate a cold compress if you deem it helpful.

Boca Raton Dentist For Emergencies

Call the same day if swelling or severe pain is present. If symptoms are mild, schedule within a few days. If you are looking for an emergency dentist in Boca Raton, FL, Bright Horizons Dental can guide you and help protect the tooth before it deteriorates.

Schedule Appointment Or Walk In

We will check the hollow of your tooth, check your bite, and take an X-ray if needed, to see what is happening under the surface. If the tooth is stable, we may replace the filling.