Dealing With A Loose Dental Filling

Have you noticed a chunk in your mouth while you’re chewing something? You may possibly have a part of your dental filling chipped off.

A dental emergency in Parkland, FL, management for loose or dislodged teeth provided by skilled specialists involves replacements since this can expose your tooth to oral infections.

What are dental fillings?

Dental fillings are one of the oldest methods of filling cavities to restore tooth decay. These help cover the tooth surface and provide protection against harmful mouth bacteria.

What factors can cause a filling to become loose or dislodged?

The following factors can contribute to the dental filling becoming loose or completely dislodged from the tooth surface:

Old and worn-out fillings
Biting down on hard food substances like nuts, ice, or bottle caps
Secondary decay under the filling
Poorly fit or fillings
Improper ratio of cements used to fill the cavity

What are the signs and symptoms associated with a loose filling?

When you have a loose filling, it can be visible through the naked eye that appears as black holes or pits on the tooth surface. There could be visible gaps between the filling and the tooth surface.

Other symptoms include:

Increased sensitivity to cold and hot foods
A mild or severe toothache due to exposure of the dentin or the pulp
Pressure when chewing
Food lodgement can lead to secondary caries in the affected tooth
Gum disease due to food debris and plaque accumulation
Bad breath (halitosis)

How can you manage the loose dental filling at home?

You must schedule an appointment with your dentist and follow the below management tips:

Clean the tooth by gentle brushing using a soft-bristled toothbrush
Gargle your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash
You can use an ice pack to numb the pain around the tooth
Painkillers can also help ease pain and discomfort

How can a dentist treat loose dental fillings?

Your tooth and the dislodged filling will be evaluated when you visit your dentist. Your dentist will:

Clean the tooth surface thoroughly and remove the filling
The cavity will be evaluated for the presence of food debris and the depth
If required, your dentist will take X-rays to rule out pulpal involvement
If the pulp is not infected, your dentist will refill the tooth cavity with a suitable dental material
If the pulp is infected, root canal therapy will be performed, and an appropriate crown will be fabricated

Bottom line

Dental fillings are tough and durable but not indestructible. The materials have a limit to their strength and durability. Thus, they may crack, break, or dislodge.

Seek dental care as early as possible for the best course of action.