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You’re finally home after a long workday, and you’re ready to eat dinner. You bite into your favorite food, and suddenly, something feels wrong. You check your mouth: a dental filling has dislodged! While this situation seems scary, there’s no need to panic. Many dental offices can resolve a same day dental emergency in San Antonio.

With a simple visit, your go-to dentist will assess the damage, clean the area, and restore your filling so you can go back to eating all of your favorite foods with ease.

What to Do if a Filling Falls Out

The first thing to do if a filling falls out is to remain calm and analyze the situation. A broken filling is probably the last thing you need, but it’s a natural occurrence that can happen.

To quickly solve the situation and restore your smile, here’s what you can do:

• Securely Store the Filling: If you can locate the lost filling, keep it to show to your dentist later. They may reutilize it or use it as a reference to how much material needs to be placed. Simply rinse the filling with water and put it in a Ziploc bag for storage.
• Clean the Affected Area: Food debris may be present in the recently exposed cavity. Gently clean the area to get rid of any residue. You must be extremely careful and refrain from brushing the area directly, as this could cause pain.
• Use Dental Cement to Seal the Hole: Dental cement can fill the hole left by the filling falling off. It can be easily purchased at most pharmacies. Simply form a tiny ball and pack it down onto the tooth with a damp cotton ball.
• Reduce the Discomfort: A missing filling can occasionally cause pain if the nerve is exposed. While you wait, try using over-the-counter medications to numb it.  
• Avoid Applying Pressure: Avoid foods like apples that require a lot of chewing, and do your best to eat from the other side.
• Find an Emergency Dentist: Dentists often reserve available times during their day for cases like these. If you need immediate treatment, call La Cantera Group for help!

What Happens If You Don’t Replace a Missing Filling?

Promptly restoring a missing dental filling is key to preventing further damage to the tooth.

Biting or chewing on the affected side could cause more chipping and even weaken it. So, even if it doesn’t hurt, schedule a dental appointment immediately. Don’t put it off; a missing filling may cascade into more serious dental issues over time!

Solve Your Same Day Emergency in San Antonio with a Reliable Team

Fillings are made of durable and strong materials, but they can wear down over time. Constant wear and tear, biting into tough foods, or habits like teeth grinding can impact their foundation, making them more prone to fractures and dislodging.

If this happens, visit the emergency dentist at La Cantera Dental Group. We will assess for further damage, clean the area, and restore your filling in one day. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!