My Filling Fell Out!

First, take a deep breath, while there might be some discomfort, we can fix this! Secondly, (if you didn’t swallow the filling) throw it away, there’s no need to keep it or bring it in. Finally, give us a call so we can schedule a time to get the filling repaired.  You can learn more about our Austin composite fillings here.

Now, while you are waiting for your appointment, it is important that you practice impeccable oral hygiene. With the tooth now exposed you want to keep it free from sugary food or trapped food because it’s a great place for bacteria to hide. You will want to gently brush the area to clean and remove anything that may have filled up the hole. It is also a good idea to rinse with warm tap water or even better, saltwater.

If you are unable to see the dentist for a few days, there are some over-the-counter temporary dental filling kits that are designed to be a short-term (a day or two) fixes until a more permanent solution is available. You can find these at most of your local drug stores.

Depending on the size of the filling, some people may experience sensitivity due to exposure. To alleviate the pain most over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol and aspirin may aide in the pain relief. Remember before taking any type of medication that it’s best to consult your dentist or primary care provide.

If you find yourself in this situation or any other dental emergency, we want you to be aware of our dental emergency procedure. We understand that life happens on it’s own terms and we can’t always be prepared for every dental emergency, so we want to be there for you when things like this occur. So, the next time you find yourself with a dental emergency, call our office and we will do everything we can to fit you in as soon as possible!

Just a recap on what you should do if your dental filling falls out:

• Don’t panic!
• Call us to schedule a time to fix your filling.
• Keep the area clean and practice excellent dental hygiene.
• Gently brush and rinse often.
• If you are out of town or unable to get immediate help, look into temporary fillings at the local drug store until you can see us.
• If sensitivity is too great, consult your dentist or PCP for over-the-counter pain relief

If we can answer any other questions, feel free to leave a comment below or give us a call!