How a Dentist Treats a Loose Dental Filling

A dental filling is the most common treatment to fix a cavity and prevent further tooth decay. A loose filling is extremely common, and if it happens, you should make an appointment to see your dentist right away. 

Dental fillings are made from a composite material that is very durable and will last a long time. However, even the most durable fillings can become loose over time due to several reasons. 

There are times when you won't even notice you have a loose tooth. Your dentist may discover it during a routine exam. This is another reason why you should go to your dentist regularly. 

A dentist will look at your tooth and determine the best possible action to take when a filling becomes loose or falls out entirely. 

Signs that a filling is loose

There are a few ways to check to see if you have a loose filling. 

• Visual – you will notice a crack or a hole in your tooth where the filling is gone or partly missing 
• Roughness – you will feel roughness on your tooth with your tongue. This type of feeling is very recognizable
• Pain – you may feel pain or acute sensitivity where you believe you should have a filling

If you aren't sure, you have a loose or missing filling, always make an appointment with your dentist to find out as soon as possible. You want the tooth repaired right away to avoid severe pain or spreading decay. 

How will my dentist fix my loose filling?

Your dentist will take x-rays to determine how severely the filling was damaged and determine the best treatment. They might replace the filling if no other damage was caused. 

In some cases, you will need a root canal or a crown to support the tooth's integrity. Your dentist will do whatever is necessary to prevent further damage. Very seldomly does a tooth need to be extracted when a filling is loose or missing. 

Ways to be sure your dental filling lasts

There are a few things you can do to help your filling last as long as possible. Your fillings cost money, and you want to keep them if you can.

• Choose a skilled dentist. You want to read reviews and talk to other friends or family who may have gone to your dentist. 
• Don't eat or bite down on hard foods. Avoid candy and hard items that can cause your tooth to crack. 
• Go to the dentist twice a year as recommended. You want to keep up with your oral hygiene. It is the best way to prevent most of your teeth and gum diseases. 

Fillings are easy fixes to prevent cavities from getting bigger and spreading decay to other teeth. A loose dental filling can easily be repaired by going to your dentist right away. Your dentist will provide you with the best treatment plan and have your filling fixed in no time at all. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesbyjulia.com or call Smiles By Julia at (954) 493-6556 for an appointment in our Fort Lauderdale office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Composite Fillings in Fort Lauderdale, FL.