What to Do If You Lose a Filling

It really doesn’t happen very often. But sometimes you bite into something that is much harder than you anticipated. Sometimes you grind your teeth without realizing the pressure you’re putting on them. Sometimes you have a cavity that has stealthily developed beneath an earlier filling. And the result is—sometimes you lose a filling.

What to do when this happens? If you’re at a loss for ideas, we have some suggestions.

  • Don’t panic

Usually, a cracked, broken, or lost filling is not an emergency situation. That being said, it’s still important to . . .

  • Call us immediately

the doctor will be able to give you the best advice as to how to take care of your tooth until you can make an appointment. And if your dental problem might be a dental emergency, we can make sure you are seen as soon as possible.

  • Take care of your tooth

Keep your tooth and the area around it clean. Brush gently to keep food particles away from the newly exposed tooth surface. You can (carefully) rinse around the area with a bit of water or salt water as recommended.

Your lost filling might not inconvenience you at all. But if you feel sensitivity when the tooth is exposed to air, or when you eat hot or cold foods, or if you feel pain when you bite down, let us know. We can recommend some over the counter medications and pain relievers that can help.

If you’re experiencing severe pain, call us at once.

  • Diet

This might not be the time for sticky caramels, frozen treats, or extra-hot beverages. Make yourself comfortable by avoiding chewing with your compromised tooth, and postponing foods that could trigger sensitivity.

  • Make a dental appointment as soon as you can

Don’t put off treatment, even if the filling was a small one, and even if the tooth is causing you no discomfort.

There might be further damage or decay that should be treated. A tooth that required a large filling is often more fragile than an intact tooth, and might need to be fitted with a crown in order to protect it. A missing filling might reveal deep decay which has exposed the pulp of the tooth to infection or damage, and a root canal might be necessary. A seriously damaged tooth might require extraction. Delaying treatment could result in a more complex restoration.

See us as soon as you discover a problem with your filling, and we will make sure not only that your tooth is treated appropriately, but that the reason for the lost filling is discovered. While no filling lasts forever, if the cause of your lost filling is tooth grinding or decay, it’s important to be proactive to prevent further problems.

Losing a filling? It really doesn’t happen very often. But that’s not a lot of comfort if you do happen to lose or break a filling. If you’re at a loss for what to do next, contact our East Meadow, New York office. You’ll find yourself smiling again in no time!

Our Location

12 Main Street Atkinson NH 03811 *Entrance on Robie Lane

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

By Appointment Only

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

What Our Patients Say About Us

  • "You have reached the pinnacle of the finest dental practice if you choose ATKINSON DENTAL HEALTH CENTER. Excellence through and through. The staff outstanding, kind, caring, and professional. You could not ask for more. The facility is top notch - state of the art equipment and it's immaculate. They are the Best of the Best !!!!!!!"
    Mimi G.
  • "For 14 years I have struggled with a bad root canal! 14 years of pain and infections and each dentist I saw seemed to make it worse. When I met Dr. Reed I was pretty traumatized but he was the most compassionate doctor I have ever met! It feels great knowing I have finally found a dentist I can trust."
    Rebecca H.
  • "This is really one of my favorite places to go! Yes, to the dentist! Not only is the environment calm and inviting and feels like a spa, but everyone is so kind and courteous. The team is wonderful and just makes every visit enjoyable."
    Mary M
  • "Just had my first visit with Dr. Reed. I’m very impressed with the entire experience. Everyone was friendly, professional and competent. Dr. Reed took the time to explain everything I needed to know. I know I made the right decision to come to this practice."
    Mark D.
  • "I have been a client of Dr. Perreault and his amazing team of professionals for many years! I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a dedicated team who have years of experience and are top notch! I actually look forward to going to the dentist because I know I am in good hands with all my dental needs."
    Jeff G.
  • "I could not be more pleased with the dental treatments I have received here throughout the years/decades. Dr. Perreault's personal and thoughtful demeanor is only exceeded by his dentistry skills. He always has the latest technologies. His staff are professional and always make you feel you welcomed and comfortable."
    Paul S.
  • "I second ALL of the praise!!! Hands-down the cleanest most professional place I’ve ever been in.
    Caring ,compassionate , and absolutely the highest in professionalism!! As someone with a very high dental fear and anxiety..I would recommend this practice to the whole world !!
    Hats off to Dr. Perreault and all of his staff!!
    1000 stars if I could!!"
    Dave A.
  • "Great team, called with a tooth ache. They got me right in, staff was all very kind and friendly. Dr. Perreault explained everything clearly. Made an appointment for my next visit. Would recommend to anyone. Happy to have been referred to them."
    Jeff B.