Everything You Need to Know About Dislodged Tooth Fillings
Posted on: 5 November 2020
Your teeth work in a rather harsh environment. The constant grinding against food particles, lots of bacteria and foods coming in at different temperatures make up some of the things that work down on your teeth. When this happens, your teeth can decay and lose the tough parts that make them functional. You need fillings to restore your teeth's functional prowess, but these fillings can also fall out for a couple of reasons. That is an emergency that you must address as soon as possible. Read on to learn the essential things you need to know about dislodged tooth fillings.
The Risk Involved
It is necessary to deal with dislodged fillings within the shortest period possible, considering the risk involved. The gap left behind by the filling can cause significant damage to the unprotected internal tissues. First, food particles and bacteria can cling to the empty cavity and initiate further decay. Additionally, the dislodged filling could expose your dentin. The soft nature of the dentin means that it is more prone to decay and disease infection. Leave it exposed, and you will have to dig digger into your pockets for procedures such as tooth extraction or a root canal.
The Things You Should Do
Your immediate response to a dislodged filling is essential for a successful emergency dental procedure. First, get in touch with your dentist to know how soon they will be able to check the filling. If you must wait for a few days, take some over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any inflammation and swelling. The inflammation often results from bacteria attacking the tooth after you lose the filling. Make sure the medicine is non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory for the best results. Furthermore, consider cold compressing the area with a pack of ice got further pain relief.
If you will take more than a week to see the dentist, use a temporary filling or dental wax to cover the exposed tooth tissues. This is a quick solution that buys you some precious time before you can see the dentist.
Action Points for the Dentist
When ready, your dentist will examine the tooth and carry out the required repairs. Therefore, it would help if you keep your dislodged filling and present it to them for assessment. Some dislodged fillings result from deep cavities within the tooth, requiring the dentist to administer treatment before repairing the filling. However, they can treat you with another filling if you managed to maintain good oral hygiene with no secondary infections.
Reach out to a family dentist to learn more about this and other emergency dental procedures.
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