What Should I Do About a Lost Dental Filling?

If you live on Long Island and a flood warning is announced in your neighborhood, try not to panic. Yeah right, good luck with that. In a less dramatic situation, if you are ever faced with a dental emergency, do your best to remain calm. It’s ideal to develop a plan of action ahead of time, which will help you keep a cool head. If you find yourself dealing with a lost dental filling, for example, here are tips from your emergency dentist in East Islip about what you should do.

Step 1: Call Your Dentist

This is always the first step, since the sooner your dentist is aware of the situation, the quicker you will potentially be able to see them for tooth repair. Be sure to mention if you have any pain. If they cannot see you immediately, ask what you can do to protect the tooth in the meantime.

Step 2: Store the Filling in a Safe Place

Do not throw the filling away. Take it with you to the dentist so they can determine if it can be reused. If not, they will begin the process of making you a new one.

Step 3: Make a Salt Water Solution to Gargle with 

After mixing a half teaspoon of salt with warm water, gargle to keep the damaged tooth clean and remove any debris that may be stuck on it. Gargling is also beneficial to help kill bacteria and stop them from damaging your vulnerable tooth.

Step 4: Be Gentle When Brushing Your Teeth

You still need to include your damaged tooth as part of your oral care routine until you can see your dentist but be extra careful with it. Brush it gently so that you don’t cause further harm while it is vulnerable.

Step 5: Only Chew Food on the Opposite Side of Your Mouth

Minimize the risk of further damage to your compromised tooth by using it as little as possible. That will hopefully prevent discomfort and food from potentially getting lodged in or beside the tooth.

Step 6: Use Temporary Protection for the Damaged Tooth

A temporary filling material like dental wax is important to offer protection for your damaged tooth until you can receive treatment. When you call the dentist to report the lost filling, ask if they recommend something specific for you to use to protect the tooth.

Step 7: Relieve Your Pain as Needed

If you are hurting after losing the filling, it is fine to use an over-the-counter pain reliever until you can see your dentist. Follow the dosage instructions so you don’t take it too often. If needed, you can also use an ice pack or cold compress for 15 minutes at a time to lessen the swelling. One more option to consider is an oral numbing gel with benzocaine.

Dental fillings are durable with an average lifespan of 15 years, but the wise move is to expect the unexpected. If you ever need help with a lost dental filling, remember to call your emergency dentist first thing, and then implement these other steps to keep your tooth safe and minimize your pain level.

About the Practice

At East Islip Dental Care, you can entrust your smile to a dedicated team of dental experts, and we’re open seven days a week with evening hours available. With six dentists on staff, we are ready to assist with any of your oral health needs. Also, we’ll help you maximize your dental insurance benefits. If you ever require an emergency dentist, we offer same-day appointments; and we’re open seven days a week. Plus, we can provide you with a tooth-colored filling in a single appointment. You can schedule one on our website, but if it’s an emergency, call (631) 581-8600.