A lost filling can be the result of many factors – sports injury, chewing on hard or chewy foods like toffee, or maybe it becomes dislodged because it’s old. Whatever the reason, it’s important to contact your emergency dentist in to make an appointment as soon as possible, especially if you’re experiencing pain. If you only have minor pain, but ignore the problem, it could do permanent damage your tooth. It could also lead to bigger issues down the road, and can have serious consequences for your health.
While you wait for your appointment, there are things you can do at home:
Clove or oregano oil
Apply a small amount of clove or oregano oil to the affected area with a cotton swab. You can find clove and oregano oil in many drugstores, as well as the spice aisle of your supermarket. This helps prevent infection and relieves pain. But be aware – they have very strong odors.
Crowns
If you still have the crown, you can try to slip it back over your tooth. Make sure you clean the inside of the crown first. Then coat the inside with tooth cement and slip it on. This is not a permanent solution, but should be good enough until you see your dentist.
If you don’t have the crown, you can place the cement directly on your tooth. This will help temporarily protect it from further cracks or breakage.
When you see your dentist
Your dentist will inspect your tooth and get rid of any decay that has developed between the old filling and the tooth. He will then prepare your tooth for the new filling and place it in your tooth. The whole process shouldn’t take more than 30-45 minutes. It may take a bit longer if he is replacing a crown.
If you lose a filling or crown, contact your emergency dentist in Jacksonville as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
