If you had a dental filling done in the past, then you might be enjoying your results from it. You have regained your bite and are able to chew a bit more comfortably than before. That said, what should you do if it falls out suddenly? There’s a rare chance this can happen as it gets older or from eating certain foods, but here’s what to do if a filling falls out and how your dentist can help in this dental emergency.

Next Steps When a Filling Falls Out

Step #1: Find Your Filling & Rinse Your Mouth

As soon as you notice your filling came out, remove it and try not to swallow any pieces of it. Rinse it off and then place it in a clean container. Rinse your mouth afterward and brush with fluoride toothpaste. However, if doing so causes pain, then simply swish around water once again.

Step #2: Assess the Issue

Take a moment to look at the affected tooth. See if there’s anything stuck inside it and whether there’s any new damage. If you are feeling some discomfort, then try rinsing with warm salt water. This can soothe inflammation, but you can always take over-the-counter medications as well.

Step #3: Protect Your Tooth

While a lost filling is a dental emergency, your tooth isn’t in any immediate harm. That said, you should still protect the exposed structure. Use dental wax or sugarless gum to cover it. This will also seal the space left behind so nothing can get in, and it’ll cover sharp edges as well.

Step #4: Visit Your Dentist

You should call your dentist right away and let them know the situation at hand. They will try to fit you in as soon as possible. When it’s time for your appointment, they will make sure no cavity or infection has formed. If so, they will take care of them and then replace the filling. It’s often best to get a new one; that way, you feel confident knowing your results will last for years to come once again.

About the Practice

At Melrose Dental Group, our team is here to help patients in the local community restore their bites with reliable solutions like fillings. Using tooth-colored materials, you can trust that it looks and feels natural. Led by Dr. Piro Leno and Dr. Konstantinos Vazouras, we are also here for your dental emergencies, so you get the prompt treatment you need. If you have a filling suddenly fall out, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling our office at (781) 546-4465.

As an athlete, you might enjoy the rush you feel during sports. You and your team might work hard together to win, but it’s important that everyone stays safe during the game. That’s because you may be at a higher risk of injuries. This also goes for your smile, as there are a few dental emergencies you may be more prone to. Here are three to know and tips to avoid them.

Chipped or Cracked Teeth

The outer layer of your teeth is your enamel. It’s actually the hardest substance your body makes, but that doesn’t mean it’s invulnerable to damage! You may receive a facial blow from a stray ball or an impact that leads to damage. Chips and cracks may develop, but an infection is also possible as the integrity is compromised.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Building off the point above, the strike may be so hard that your tooth actually comes out of the socket. While this scenario may leave you panicked, try to stay calm and act fast. Keep the structure in milk or your own saliva and visit your dentist within the hour. This will increase your odds of saving it, but there may be a chance it can’t be salvaged.

Fractured Roots

Your teeth have roots that go down into your jawbone. They help hold your teeth in place with your jawbone and special ligaments, but they can become damaged with severe oral trauma. If so, then you might be able to get a root canal to avoid an infection from developing, but an extraction may also be recommended for some.

How Can I Protect My Smile as an Athlete?

With all that said, there are more dental emergencies you may experience as an athlete. You should do your best to protect your smile from any harm. These are a few tips to remember:

• Wear a mouthguard, as they are designed to redistribute the force of a blow across the appliance instead of just on one point.
• Don’t forget to brush and floss twice daily. Decay, gum disease, and the like can weaken your teeth, so avoiding them will ensure these structures aren’t compromised.
• Keep up with visits to your dentist. They will be able to watch for any red flags in your grin and help you do your best to protect it with personalized advice.

In the end, your provider is here for you when you need urgent oral care. By partnering with them, you can feel confident knowing they can take care of you right away if you find yourself in these situations. That way, you feel confident while you get your head in the game.

About the Practice

At Melrose Dental Group, our team is dedicated to helping patients in the local community protect their grins from trouble. Led by Dr. Piro Leno and Dr. Konstantinos Vazouras, we are here for your dental emergencies. By getting in as soon as possible, we can get to the bottom of the issue and fix it. If you’re an athlete who wants to protect your smile, schedule an appointment or call our office at (781) 546-4465.