According to CDC statistics, 91 percent of people over 20 have had a cavity filled. Cavities are necessary when a tooth has decayed. The dentist will use a drill to remove the decayed part of the tooth and then fill in the gap with a filling.
If you have a toothache, Dr. David Dane at the Emergency Dental Center in New York, NY, will x-ray your tooth and fill the cavity. If you have a filling that is beginning to come loose, you should be seen by a dentist as quickly as possible.
Why Do Fillings Come Loose?
Dental fillings are durable. They are designed to allow you to chew the same way you do with unfilled teeth without any issues. However, dental fillings have limits. After years of chewing on hard food, the filling can start to wear down and become loose.
How To Tell Your Filling Is Coming Loose?
If a dental filling is starting to come loose, there will be visual and physical symptoms.
Roughness: Roughness is the most common sign that your dental filling is coming loose. If you rub your tongue across a filling and it is rough, there is a good chance that it needs to be replaced.
Sensitivity and pain: If you feel pain when eating hot or cold foods or something sweet, your dental filling is likely to blame. The same is true if you feel pressure when chewing or have a mild or severe toothache in New York, NY.
Are Loose Dental Fillings Harmful?
If you suspect you have a loose dental filling, you should call your dentist immediately. Ignoring the issue will cause further problems that will cause pain and other symptoms.
Bacteria: When a filling comes loose, it exposes the inner tooth to harmful bacteria that can affect your gums and healthy teeth.
Food in the gap: A loose filling will leave a gap in the tooth, allowing food to become lodged. When this happens, the bacteria will use the tooth as a source of energy, which can cause an infection and further decay.
Pressure, heat and cold: A loose filling can expose the tooth to pressure, heat and cold. This exposure can cause inflammation. In addition, the dentin and nerves can become irritated, which can cause toothache in New York, NY.
How To Deal With a Loose Filling?
If a filling comes loose, you should call your dentist immediately. It is essential that you care for the tooth while you wait for your appointment. You should clean the affected tooth very carefully to prevent damage caused by harmful bacteria. Also, use an antiseptic mouthwash each time you brush. If the loose filling is causing discomfort or a toothache in New York, NY, an ice pack and an over-the-counter pain reliever will help. Finally, try to avoid eating hard foods until the dentist can replace the filling.
If you suspect your filling has come loose, contact Dr. Dane at the Emergency Dental Center in New York, NY. He can remove the old filling and replace it with a new one. When the procedure is complete, your symptoms will disappear. To schedule an appointment, call (646) 992-0930 today.