Did you recently lose or break a dental filling? The entire ordeal can be frightening, unsettling, and even a little painful. While it’s not considered a dental emergency in most cases, there are still certain steps you’ll need to take to protect the tooth. By treating it in an appropriate and timely manner, you can get your smile back to normal in no time. That said, read on as an emergency dentist in Juno Beach shares a step-by-step on what to do if you’ve lost a dental filling.
Call Your Dentist Right Away
First and foremost, you should call your emergency dentist in Juno Beach as soon as you can. You’ll need to explain what happened, which symptoms you’re experiencing, and if you’re in pain. Because of your situation, you’ll likely get the earliest appointment possible. A broken or lost dental filling can result in further damage and decay if it’s not addressed in a timely manner. In most cases, the treatment option for this case would be a dental crown. Of course, your dental team will conduct an oral examination to determine the best course of action for your specific case.
Be Careful While You Wait
It’s incredibly important that you’re careful with the affected tooth while waiting for your appointment. Be sure to avoid chewing directly on the side of the mouth where your dental filling once was. By doing so, you can keep bacteria, food particles, and other debris from entering the space that’s left behind.
Gently Clean Your Mouth
After eating, make sure you rinse your mouth carefully with warm salt water to wash away any lingering food and debris. By mixing a ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gargling it for a few seconds, you can help kill any bacteria that could potentially damage your exposed tooth. If possible, you can try gently brushing the area with a toothbrush.
Take Some Medicine
Are you experiencing pain because of your broken or lost dental filling? You can alleviate your discomfort by taking prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as needed. It’ll work wonders in relieving any sensitivity or discomfort you have!
Use a Temporary Solution
To protect the exposed tooth, you can use dental wax or a temporary filling material that’s made with zinc oxide. Not only will it help block the gap in your tooth to keep food out, but it can ease the pain as well. It’s worth noting that these solutions are only temporary – you’ll still need to see a dentist to address your situation.
Dental fillings are certainly a durable and long-lasting solution, but they can still fall out unexpectedly. If you’ve broken or lost a dental filling, simply follow the steps outlined above. With the help of your emergency dentist in Juno Beach, your smile will be back on track in record time!
About the Practice
At Juno Beach Smiles, we offer exceptional, state-of-the-art, individually tailored dental services guaranteed to leave you smiling after every appointment. Our team uses the latest technologies and techniques to provide you with the most up-to-date restorative treatments available. If you lost a dental filling, don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. Visit our website or call (561) 622-7243 to make an appointment today!