Following a dental filling treatment, most people would feel pretty relieved. After all, the procedure fills your tooth’s empty space and protects it from further decay. However, keep in mind that the service doesn’t last forever. In particular, fillings can sometimes fall right out of your mouth. Should that happen, you’ll need to act appropriately until you can get emergency care. Luckily, doing so isn’t too hard. Here are four steps for handling a lost dental filling from your New Orleans dentist.
#1: Call Your Dentist
The affected tooth can be exposed to harmful bacteria when you lose a dental filling. Therefore, you should book an appointment with your local dentist immediately. The sooner you can, the sooner you can have the filling reattached or replaced.
When scheduling your visit, explain your situation and whether you’re feeling any pain. Depending on your problem’s severity, you’ll likely get the earliest timeslot available.
#2: Clean Your Mouth
Before your upcoming dental visit, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. Doing so will keep the area clean, remove food debris from the tooth, and soothe any related soreness. To that end, add ½ teaspoon salt to a cup of warm water to make the mixture.
In some cases, you could also brush the area gently with a toothbrush.
#3: Be Careful of the Affected Tooth
A tooth with a lost dental filling is more sensitive than usual. That said, you’ll want to be careful not to damage it further.
For instance, don’t chew around the location of the exposed tooth. You’d otherwise cause further pain and risk the pearly white’s structure.
#4: Use a Temporary Filler
Without your filling, the affected tooth is exposed and vulnerable. You’ll want to do what you can to limit this exposure.
Consider using dental wax or similar material as a temporary filler. These would block the gap in your tooth to keep food out, thus reducing the odds of infection.
Remember, this action would only work for a short time — you’ll still need to see a dentist for a more thorough treatment.
While a dental filling can potentially last for fifteen years, you’ll want to be prepared if one falls out. Since that’s the case, remember the tips above so you’ll be ready to act when necessary.
About the Practice
Camenzuli Dental Excellence is based in New Orleans, LA. As led by Dr. Robert A. Camenzuli, the practice emphasizes comfort and care for its patients. Therefore, it offers preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency dental treatments. Whatever your teeth need, you can count on the Camenzuli team to give you a beautiful, functional smile. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach them at their website or by phone at (504)-584-4225.