Easier said than done but try not to panic if you ever find yourself in a dental emergency. The best thing you can do is be prepared with a game plan in case something happens, so you aren’t trying to figure it out in the moment.
What if you ever lost a dental filling in Jacksonville? Here are steps to consider from your emergency dentist that will be valuable to remember if the unexpected ever happens.
Step 1: Notify 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 for Safe Keeping
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: Mix a Saltwater Solution for Gargling
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 it from damaging your vulnerable tooth.
Step 4: Be Careful 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: Use the Other Side of Your Mouth to Chew Food
Minimize the risk for further damage to your compromised tooth by using it as little as possible. That will hopefully prevent discomfort and food potentially getting lodged in or beside the tooth.
Step 6: Make Sure to Use Temporary Protection for the 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 in particular for you to use to protect the tooth.
Step 7: Address 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 lose a 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 Jacksonville Complete Dentistry, we operate by the concept of “complete dentistry.” That means we see patients as more than just a set of teeth and gums. If a patient comes to us with severely damaged teeth, we need to do more than repair the teeth and send them on their way. We need to find out the cause of the damage and how the problem can be permanently improved to save you time and money from a potentially reoccurring issue. If you ever lose a filling or require an emergency dentist in Jacksonville for another reason, you can count on us to help. We offer same-day appointments, and our highly experienced staff will utilize advanced technology to help you as swiftly as possible. Whether it’s an emergency or you simply need to schedule a dental cleaning and exam, you can visit our website or call (904) 645-6457.