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What to Do If a Filling Falls Out

Dentists treat cavities by removing decay from an affected tooth and placing a dental filling to seal the area from further harm. More than half of children will have at least one cavity by the time they reach adolescence, so this treatment is quite common.

However, unexpected events can happen, so it is important to know what to do if damage occurs to your child’s filling. Dr. Allie Miller, a pediatric dentist in Winter Park, FL, describes actions you can take if your child’s dental filling falls out.

replace damaged dental fillings in Winter Park Florida

Schedule Emergency Dentist Appointment

If a dental filling falls out of place, that means the hole drilled by the dentist is vulnerable to external elements. Your dentist drills through enamel into underlying dentin when treating tooth decay, so your child may experience painful tooth sensitivity if the filling exposes this dentin.

Tooth pain of any kind is a dental emergency, and you should call your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. The office staff can provide advice over the phone with guidelines you can follow in the meantime before your child’s appointment.

Restorative Dental Replacement

When you arrive at the office, the dentist will examine the patient’s mouth to determine the extent of the damage and which restorative dental treatment will be most helpful to treat the cavity again. They may give the child another filling to replace the old one.

More extensive damage or decay could necessitate more intensive treatment, such as a dental crown or root canal therapy. In rare cases, the dentist may perform a tooth extraction if the tooth cannot be repaired in any other way.

Prevent Future Damage to Fillings

Fillings can become worn over many years and require replacement, but there are steps you can take to ensure your cavity treatment lasts as long as possible. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can keep your teeth healthy and ensure your filling remains secure in your tooth.

Fillings can become loose if your teeth are exposed to abnormal amounts of pressure, as with behaviors like teeth grinding. Your dentist may recommend wearing a mouthguard overnight to protect fillings from grinding that may occur as the patient sleeps.

Replace Dental Fillings in Winter Park, FL

Pediatric Dentistry of Winter Park offers dental fillings and more general dental care for young patients in Winter Park, FL. Dr. Miller also specializes in cosmetic and restorative pediatric dentistry, as well as limited orthodontics. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 407.434.0267.