What Do I Do If I Lose a Dental Filling?

Do you have dental fillings to repair damaged pearly whites? Dealing with a broken or lost dental filling might seem small, but it’s essential to act promptly to prevent bigger problems that may require urgent dental attention. If you’ve recently lost a filling, following these seven steps can help protect your tooth and prevent further damage until you can see your dentist for repairs.

Step #1: Contact Your Dentist

Arrange a dental appointment as soon as possible to fix the damaged tooth and avoid any further issues. If you can’t get an immediate appointment, ask for guidance on protecting the affected tooth until you can see the dentist. Make sure to tell your dentist about any discomfort you’re feeling to get appropriate advice or possibly speed up your appointment.

Step #2: Keep the Filling

Keep the displaced dental filling safe until your dentist appointment by storing it in a secure place. Your dentist will check if it can be reused, and if necessary, make a new one to replace it.

Step #3: Gargle with Salt Water

Once you’ve contacted your dentist and safely stored the filling, rinse your mouth with warm water mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This helps clean the affected tooth and removes bacteria that could cause more harm.

Step #4: Brush Carefully

Make sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly as part of your oral care routine. Be gentle when cleaning around the affected area to avoid causing more damage to the tooth.

Step #5: Chew with Caution

To reduce pain and discomfort and avoid food getting trapped in the damaged tooth, chew your food on the opposite side of your mouth from where the problem is.

Step #6: Implement a Temporary Fix

As you wait for your dentist appointment, you can try using dental wax or look for temporary filling materials online as a temporary fix. It’s essential to ask your dentist for advice on what temporary solution would be best for your situation.

Step #7: Take Pain Medicine

If you’re feeling pain or discomfort from a lost dental filling, you can try over-the-counter pain relief medication following the dosage instructions. You might also find relief by using a topical numbing gel or applying a cold compress or ice pack to the affected area for 15 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling.

If you’ve lost a dental filling, it’s essential to take action to protect your tooth and keep your smile healthy. Follow the guidelines mentioned above to ensure the well-being of your tooth and restore your smile!

About the Practice

At DeMartino Dental Group in Phillipsburg, Dr. Jeffrey R. DeMartino and Dr. Nélida Garcia-DeMartino are committed to providing top-notch dental care to patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Whether you need a regular cleaning or treatment for a cavity like a dental filling, Goodman Dental Care is here to help. If you need to replace a lost or broken dental filling or want to schedule an appointment, you can contact DeMartino Dental Group at (908) 859-5260 or visit their website.