How to Care for a Tooth when a Filling Falls Out

Lower Molar Tooth

Having a filling is bad enough, but losing one is even worse. What do you do when that filling pops out of place? Here is some advice to take care of the annoying hole in your tooth until you can get yourself to the dentist.

Things You'll Need

• floss
• toothbrush
• needle-less syringe
• temporary filling from the drugstore

Instructions

1. Don't stress. Fillings do fall out. They are not meant to last forever. Nothing lasts forever (just think of ancient Rome, for example -- a mighty city now reduced to a few reconstructed buildings). If you recently had the tooth filled and the filling popped out, it is possible that the dentist did not prepare the hole properly or that some saliva contaminated the space. Other causes of filling loss include decay around the filling, teeth grinding, or even just chomping down too hard on the filling.

2. Call the dentist and book an appointment. Yes, it does need to be fixed. The tooth is vulnerable to cracking now and is also stressed out as it is. In fact, it is possible that the tooth is cracked and/or has a new cavity.

3. After eating -- and that means anything -- brush and floss around the tooth. You want to avoid irritation. If you haven't been brushing and/or flossing, this new (and very good) habit of brushing and flossing might cause soreness, but it is better than not doing it at all. Be very diligent in keeping the area clean. Be gentle, of course, especially if the tooth is cracked.

4. If the crevice is deep and brushing and flossing is hopeless, try flushing the crevice with some mouthwash, like Listerine, in a needle-less syringe.

5. An over the counter temporary filling can be purchased at a drug store, such as Tempanol or Cavit. The substance can be used to temporarily fill the hole and keep food out of it. Alternatively, dental wax can be used. Rub the dental wax between your fingers until soft and mold over the tooth. This will protect the tooth from air and debris.

6. If you feel pain, take an over the counter pain reliever and put some oil dipped in cloves on the hole. Clove will help sedate the exposed nerves.

Tips & Warnings

• Hang onto the filling if you have it. The dentist will want to see it. It is possible he will reattach it or that he will use it to diagnose what went wrong.

• Do not attempt to put the filling back yourself

• It is very important to see a dentist after a filling falls out.