Your Dentist in Mesquite Knows How to Handle Broken Fillings

You may be aware that a broken or knocked-out tooth constitutes as a dental emergency, but what if a dental filling falls out? According to your dentist in Mesquite, a dental filling is an emergency and should trigger a dentist visit as soon as possible. Dental fillings are not meant to last forever, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get it replaced when it’s time.

Here are the steps to take and what you can expect before your visit.

Why Broken Fillings are a Dental Emergency

Fillings are designed to restore teeth to their original state as much as possible when tooth decay has broken down enamel. They’re meant to last for many years at a time but won’t last forever, so you’ll need to replace them eventually. If they come out prematurely, your tooth will be exposed to the bacteria in your mouth, leaving it vulnerable to infection.

If an infection develops, this only increases the odds of you needing a root canal later. After enough time, the infected pulp won’t be able to support the tooth and it will need to be extracted. For these reasons, a broken or loosened dental filling needs to be addressed by a medical professional.

What to Do Before Your Dental Visit

The first step should always be to schedule an appointment with your dentist, ideally for the same day.

If the filling has completely come out, gently brush the affected area and rinse the rest of your mouth (with water only) to clean it. To alleviate discomfort, rub the affected tooth with clove oil and use dental wax to temporarily fill the void, especially if you can’t get to the dentist that day. Medications like Tylenol and ibuprofen can also be used to alleviate discomfort.

To prevent future damage to the tooth before your visit, make sure to avoid foods that are:

• Sticky or sweet
• Hard
• Cold or hot
• Acidic
• Erosive

What to Expect When You Arrive

Many practices will do their best to allocate time to treat dental emergencies, especially for the same day. Once you arrive, they’ll start by addressing the issues you’re having at that moment, including any discomfort or pain you’re experiencing.

Your treatment plan will vary depending on the extent of the damage, but typically a broken filling is replaced with a new one, especially if the previous filling fell out on its own and not from dental trauma. It’s common for dentists to use tooth-colored fillings now because they blend in better with teeth. They’re also just as effective as silver fillings in many ways. However, the best option will be determined by your dentist first.

A broken dental filling is always a dental emergency. If this has happened to you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment right away with your family dentist in Mesquite!

About Bear Creek Family Dentistry

Thanks to Bear Creek’s many locations, chances are if you’re having a dental emergency, there’s a location open to alleviate your discomfort and restore your tooth. To get your issue treated, contact your dentist in Mesquite through their website.