What happens if a cavity filling comes out

You also can use denture adhesive or even petroleum jelly if nothing else is available. These aren't permanent solutions, but they will help to hold the crown in place until you can see your dentist. You should not use any household glues to hold the crown in place.

These products are not safe to put in your mouth and can damage the tooth and crown. If you've lost the filling or crown, you can use over-the-counter dental cement to cover the tooth surface. This will help to protect and seal the area until you're able to see Dr. Zimmerman, and can make you more comfortable. What Dr. Zimmerman Will Do If the tooth is structurally sound and the crown still fits properly, Dr.

Zimmerman will clean the area and then replace the crown. There are a number of reasons why your dental filling has come loose or dislodged, and this includes not maintaining your daily oral care routine. Other reasons include:. Make a few minor adjustments to your diet to include softer foods and avoid sugary things like soft drinks and candy, as they will only speed up tooth decay. In short, yes you are perfectly OK to eat food providing you avoid any sugary drinks and food, and stay away from hard and crunchy items.

Avoid chewing on the exposed tooth, as this may cause further damage. Ignoring to replace a loose filling can result in further damage to the unprotected tooth. Not doing anything at all — none of the 5 steps mentioned above — allows bacteria and food particles into the space, causing tooth decay.

If exposed long enough, bacteria can make its way beneath the outer enamel and into the dentin. Exposed dentin can become very sensitive, and with further decay and damage to the exposed tooth, may require more extensive dental treatments.

This includes a root canal, dental crown, or a tooth extraction. We strongly recommend seeking medical attention as soon as possible. When it comes to preventing a filling from falling out, there are no tricks. The key is to simply practice good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. Your tooth will be exposed to bacteria and unwanted food particles, causing sensitivity and even decay down the road. First things first, give our Reston dental office a call. Tip 2 — Your unfilled tooth is a welcoming environment for harmful bacteria to make a home and destroy your tooth.

Be sure to brush gently and carefully. Saltwater is great! Mix one cup of warm water, and one teaspoon of salt then rinse. Avoid things that are sticky or hard.

Try to avoid chewing in the area of the exposed tooth. If you can, try to save the filling. In fact, most fillings are lost. If we can replace it with a new filling, what we choose to use will depend on the location of the tooth. For a molar or premolar, you can choose between an amalgam silver filling or composite and glass ionomer tooth-colored material.

For front teeth, your best choice is a composite and glass ionomer filling because it will blend in more naturally. Back teeth exert the strongest chewing force, so you need something a little stronger such as amalgam filling.

If you prefer, we can use tooth colored fillings for a more natural look. In rare instances, you might lose the tooth — particularly if the tooth itself has cracked.