Help! I’ve Lost a Filling! Now What?

Boise dental fillings usually protect our teeth, but sometimes they need to be protected, too. Fillings serve the important function of preserving the structural integrity of a tooth. With the materials your Boise dentist uses today, dental fillings usually last for many years but sometimes you can wear down, chip, crack, or break your fillings by eating, clenching, and grinding your teeth. Sometimes they can even fall out completely.

While you many not notice normal wear and tear, you should not ignore fillings that are loose or have fallen out. If your fillings get damaged or fall out, you need to see your Boise dentist as soon as possible. There may be gaps or holes in your tooth that provide an easy access point for bacteria to enter. Once bacteria begins working into your tooth structure, your tooth is further susceptible to worse damage.

First things first…

If you lose a filling, the first thing you should do is to call our Boise dental office at (208) 345-8962. This is especially important if you’re experiencing any pain, or if there are any other problems. Our friendly staff is here to help and will get your appointment scheduled asap. Upon your visit, we’ll perform an exam before talking with you about your options. Whether we replace the old filling with a new one, or if we place a stronger “best smile restoration” like a crown, we’ll work together to decide which option is best for you.

Dental filling options

When it comes to having a cavity filled, it’s important to know that you have the right to decide, after consulting with your dentist, as to what treatments and materials should be used for your dental care. You Boise dentist considers materials to use on an individualized basis, taking into account the size and location of your cavity.

Today there are several dental filling materials available. Teeth can be filled with gold, silver amalgam, or composite resin fillings. The location and extent of the decay, cost of filling material, and your Boise dentists recommendation help to assist in determining the type of filling best suites you.

Another option is a porcelain, CEREC digital impressions filling that is made chair-side, while you wait. The advantage of a porcelain, CEREC digital impressions restoration is that the normal wear and tear is similar to that on a natural tooth. On molar teeth, which sometimes requires a larger filling, they are often the material of choice when it comes to your Boise dentist.

Keep your fillings strong

Some of the best ways to keep your fillings strong and intact are:

• Watch what you eat. Hard and sticky foods can contribute to damaged or lost fillings. It’s never a good feeling when you’re eating and accidentally bite down on a filling that was once in your tooth. Use caution when eating these types of foods.
• Treat your grinding. Not only can grinding your teeth cause damage to fillings, it can also lead to other dental problems. If you’re a grinder, it’s important that it be treated correctly and as soon as possible.
• Mind your clenching. Clenching places a lot of force on your teeth which can weaken fillings. Clenching is also something that should be treated sooner rather than later as, just like grinding, it can lead to other issues.

If you’ve lost or damaged a filling, don’t wait to call our Boise dental office. We’ll make sure to discuss the best treatment option for you to get your smile back to it’s best self!