Did you know that an estimated 90% of adults have experienced tooth decay at some point in their lives, making it one of the most common global diseases? Thankfully, your dentist can repair cavities with tooth-colored fillings for resilient, lifelike results.
These repairs often last 10+ years if properly cared for, but they’re not invincible. For instance, they can be dislodged during an injury or eventually wear down and fall out, leaving the underlying tooth vulnerable to further harm. Continue reading to learn about 4 steps you can take to get help quickly if you’ve just lost a restoration!
Step #1: Find the Filling
There’s a chance that your dentist can repurpose the lost filling, but it depends significantly on its current condition. Do your best to locate it, keeping in mind that there may be pieces in your mouth, so be careful when swallowing.
Once you’ve found it, you can gently rinse it with water and place it in a clean, dry container to bring to your dental appointment.
Step #2: Rinse Your Mouth
If you sustained a blow to the face, bit into something too hard that damaged your restoration, or suffered some other injury, then you might also have dirt, blood, leftover food, or other debris in your mouth that increases the likelihood of an infection.
Keeping your mouth clean can help avoid potential disease, but it’s best to steer clear of mouthwashes that contain harsh chemicals, which might irritate your already-tender teeth and gums. Thankfully, you can make your own rinse by adding ½ teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water and mixing until it’s dissolved. Then, gently sip and swish it around your mouth or gargle with it to naturally disinfect your mouth. Spit it out, then repeat until your glass is empty.
Step #3: Address Aches
Depending on what happened, you might also be feeling swollen or sore. Applying an ice pack or cold compress to the tender side of your face can provide a temporary numbing effect to reduce your symptoms.
Many patients can also safely take the recommended dosage of over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce associated aches or inflammation.
Step #4: Contact Your Dentist
Finally, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to contact your dentist to let them know what happened. They’ll schedule an appropriate time to see you based on your circumstances, and might also provide additional care instructions over the phone for you to follow until you arrive.
Fortunately, many providers offer same-day visits for emergency scenarios, so you don’t have to wait long to be seen. Once your dentist examines your mouth, they can determine whether your filling can be repurposed or if a new one is required!
About the Practice
Patients at North Garland Family Dental benefit from two dentists who share decades of combined experience. Dr. Vazquez and Dr. Peterson collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages, so you and your family receive the same top-quality care. Their compassionate approach is paired with advanced technology to deliver more comfortable, accurate treatment results. They offer same-day emergency visits and options for sedation, so if you’ve been injured, you don’t have to wait for relief. You can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 530-7979.
