What should I do if I lose a filling?

A dental emergency can easily occur when you're sitting comfortably at home. Fillings and crowns can sometimes loosen and fall out, but don't panic.

What you need to do.

First things first, call your nearest Hospitality Dental & Orthodontics office as soon as possible. Please explain what happened and let us know if you're feeling any pain. We will do our best to bring you into the office and begin treatment.

Waiting too long to get the filling replaced can cause tooth decay and further issues. Keep the area clean until you are able to see your dentist and limit eating or chewing on the problem area. If the cracked filling is exposed to bacteria, the tooth can become infected. The tooth tissue is often sensitive to pressure such as hot or cold air temperatures and can cause pain.

What to do before your dental appointment.

In the meantime, you can use over-the-counter pain medications such as Ibuprofen, Tylenol, or Advil until you are able to see your dentist. If you have any swelling, apply a cold ice pack to reduce any inflammation.

We also recommend rinsing with warm salt water to kill any bacteria that might infect the exposed tooth. Gently swish around with a teaspoon of salt in warm water for about a minute. Please do not swallow. Continue to take care of your tooth and gently brush the area very gently where the filling fell out.

Knowing what you can do when a filling loosens or falls out is beneficial if you have sudden pain. Looking to book an appointment? We can help you!