“I just got a lost filling; how long can I wait until I get a new one?”, has been one of the most common questions asked in most dental settings. If you have the same inquiry, this might be your lucky day as we will discuss how you can deal with lost dental filling and the time you should wait before you can get it replaced.

We all know that losing a dental filling is one of the most common dental emergencies that happens. However, having a broken or cracked filling should be dealt with right away. Even if you don’t feel any pain, you should immediately get some help to have it fixed as soon as possible. Losing a dental filling exposes the tooth underneath, which can cause further damage and decay.

Reasons Why Dental Fillings Get Lost

Losing a dental filling is not something new, as it is not meant to last forever. These fillings usually fall out after some time, and when that happens, you might not feel any pain at all. There are many reasons why dental fillings get lost. One of those is the fact that the filling has already worn out and served its purpose. Here are some other reasons why dental fillings fall off:

• Presence of a new tooth decay near the filling
• Intense chewing or biting hard into crunchy food
• Grinding of teeth
• Trauma on the root and tooth caused by pressure
• Loosening of bond filling to the tooth
• Chemical reaction

What Should I Do If I Lost My Filling?

If your dental fillings fell off, cracked, or got broken for some reason, there is no need to panic. The first step that you should do is to assess the severity of the lost filling. If you are feeling pain, be sure to call an emergency dentist to get immediate care.

However, you can wait a little longer and schedule sometime later if there is no pain involved. If this is your case, you should still take some precautions to avoid any further complications.

• It is essential to avoid eating food that may bring damage to your tooth. It also helps if you could chew on the other side of your mouth.
• Skipping sugary items and drinks and switching to softer meals will also help. These will prevent the progression of tooth decay and can halt the development of any issues.
• Brush your teeth lightly and carefully so that there is no pressure and trauma placed on the sensitive area.

What Should I Do If I Feel Pain?

If your emergency dentist cannot see you sometime later, it is essential to keep in mind the following remedies until you get to the dental clinic.

• Take over-the-counter medicines that help reduce pain and swelling, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Use clove oil on the exposed area and your gums.
• Apply a cold compress for fifteen minutes until the pain is relieved and swelling subsides.
• Use a topical numbing agent to make the tooth area numb temporarily.
• Apply a dental cement to the cracked filling to cover and protect the tooth surface from bacteria
• Rinse with warm salt water to kill any germs and bacteria that might infect the tooth

What Happens If My Filling Is Not Replaced Right Away?

If you don’t get your dental fillings replaced right away, it could cause further damage and complications to the unprotected tooth. Once the decay process starts to progress, you might be needing a root canal or if it comes to worst, total tooth extraction.

A root canal is an extensive repair work that is required when tooth decay has progressed. It is a dental procedure that involves removing the soft tooth area, more commonly known as the pulp. Once the pulp becomes infected, a root canal is the only treatment process available. During the root canal process, the pulp gets replaced with another dental filling.

How Can I Prevent A Filling from Getting Lost?

Good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist are the primary keys to prevent your dental fillings from coming loose. Here are some tips to take your oral care to the next level:

• Regularly brush your teeth with the help of fluoride toothpaste, at least twice a day.
• Floss your teeth daily after regular brushing.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months to prevent bacteria.
• Brush your tongue to remove bad breath and get rid of bacteria.

We have listed down other preventive measures that will help protect your dental fillings:

• Avoid chewing hard food, and be careful when biting.
• Do not grind your teeth. If you cannot control your teeth grinding habit, it is best to use a mouth guard or a splint.
• Use a swab of dental cement to protect your fillings.
• Limit your intake of sticky, sweet, and other sugary food and beverages. These can either stick into your fillings and increase tooth decay.

So…

The answer to “I just got a lost filling how long can I wait until I get a new one?” is best make a call to your dentist right away. However, if your dentist happens to have a fully booked schedule, you can still wait for several days up to a week to have it fixed. However, it is essential to be mindful of the precautions not to aggravate your current dental situation. Worsening of your condition may lead to tooth decay which requires root canal treatment.

Losing a dental filling can be stressful and can cause anxiety. If you want to get your dental fillings fixed in an instant, you can contact our Emergency Dentist in Perth. We offer after-hour dental treatments that will take away the burden of waiting to resolve your dental concerns.

Be sure to talk to us, and we will be glad to accommodate your dental emergencies as soon as possible.