A loose dental filling occurs when the restorative material used to seal a cavity becomes dislodged from the tooth structure. This can happen due to new decay forming around the filling, wear and tear from chewing, or trauma. A loose filling exposes the underlying, sensitive dentin of the tooth, which can lead to discomfort and leave the tooth vulnerable to bacteria and further decay. Any at-home measure to address a loose filling is purely a temporary stopgap intended only to protect the tooth until professional dental care can be secured.
Immediate Steps After a Filling Loosens
The first action to take after noticing a loose filling is to gently remove it from your mouth, if it has fully come out, and store it safely to potentially show your dentist. You should immediately rinse your mouth with warm water to clear away any remaining debris or food particles from the exposed area. Rinsing with a saltwater solution—about a half-teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water—can help keep the area clean and reduce inflammation.
The exposed cavity is highly sensitive and susceptible to further damage or infection, so it is important to prevent food from packing into the hole. Until you can apply a temporary fix, avoid chewing on the side of the mouth with the affected tooth to minimize pressure and potential trauma. If you are experiencing pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage discomfort and any associated swelling. Contacting your dental office immediately after stabilizing the situation should be your next move to schedule a permanent repair.
Applying Temporary Dental Cement
The most effective temporary solution involves using a commercially available, over-the-counter temporary dental cement kit found at most pharmacies. Before application, the cavity must be as clean and dry as possible to allow the material to adhere properly. You can use a piece of tissue or a cotton swab to gently dry the internal surfaces of the tooth, keeping the area isolated from saliva.
The amount of material used should be sufficient to fill the entire void left by the lost filling without overflowing onto the surrounding tooth surface. Follow the specific product instructions for preparing the material, which may involve mixing components or rolling a pre-mixed putty. Gently press the prepared material into the clean, exposed cavity, ensuring it is packed firmly against the base of the hole.
After placing the cement, you can use a cotton swab or a clean finger to smooth the surface and gently push the material deeper to ensure a good seal. Next, establish a comfortable bite by gently closing your mouth and lightly tapping your teeth together, then grinding side-to-side a couple of times. This action molds the soft material to your natural occlusion, preventing it from interfering with your bite.
Remove any excess material around the edges with a toothpick or a clean instrument to prevent irritation to the gums. Allow the temporary material to set or cure according to the manufacturer’s directions, which is often around one hour. During this time, and for the next 24 hours, you must avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on that side of the mouth to give the material its best chance of remaining secure.
When to Contact Your Dentist Immediately
Scheduling an appointment quickly is necessary because the underlying cause of the filling’s failure, such as new decay, requires definitive treatment. Delaying a permanent fix leaves the tooth susceptible to bacterial infection, which can lead to more complex and expensive procedures like a root canal.
You should seek emergency dental care immediately if you experience certain severe symptoms that indicate a deeper problem or spreading infection. These warning signs include severe, throbbing pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter medications or any noticeable swelling in the face or jaw. The presence of a fever or persistent bleeding from the site also warrants an immediate call to your dentist.
It is necessary to avoid using non-dental materials for a temporary repair, as they can cause harm. Materials like superglue, household adhesives, or putty are not biocompatible and contain toxic chemicals that can damage the dental pulp, potentially killing the nerve of the tooth. Using these materials can also create an impossible-to-clean seal that traps bacteria, leading to massive decay.