What To Do if a Dental Filling Falls Out

Under normal circumstances we would recommend that you call your Dentist straight away to make an appointment to get the tooth assessed. This is not normal circumstances, and at the time of writing, all Dental practices in the UK are closed to face to face consultations due to Covid -19. Short of jumping on a plane and heading to Germany, where Dental practices are just reopening, what can you do to help yourself?

Call your Dentist

Although we are closed for face to face consultations, we are all still here to give you advice. You may be able to access help, for example if the broken tooth is causing severe swelling, or pain, your Dentist may be able to refer you to an emergency treatment centre where the problem can be dealt with until your own Dentist is able to see you. Failing this, your own Dentist will be able to give you advice after looking at your dental chart and working out what the problem may be.

I am not registered with a Dentist- what do I do now?

Have a look on the websites of Dentists near to you and take recommendations from friends. If there is a practice near to you that looks like what you would be looking for, then give them a call. Most would be happy to help you even if you are not registered with them. They may take extra information, such as details about your medical history, but in the current circumstances, most will do what they can to help.

Once they have got you over the immediate crisis, they will be able to help you by booking in a review and assessment appointment either face to face when they have re-opened, or virtually, to assess how they can properly treat the problem. It is likely they will give you an idea of any other issues they see and advice on how to prevent further problems arising. The advice is the same- get your teeth checked regularly, to help prevent small problems becoming big problems!

Should I put something in the hole?

This is easier said than done! If you can visit your pharmacist or order online there are some products out there to fill the gap. Try Toofypegs or Dentec. Some Dentists have made up filling packs which you can pick up from them to help you. These are soft pieces of dental cement that can be moulded into the gap like plasticine. Once in your mouth they will harden and will last up to a month. It will stop food packing in to the hole and may give the tooth a little bit of support.

Place a small piece in the hole, smooth it with your finger (please wash your hands well before) or a slightly damp cotton wool earbud. Gently close your teeth together to make sure the filling sits well in the bite. Do not eat anything for a couple of hours until it sets. Try and keep the area very clean, by gentle but thorough brushing and mouthwash. Try to floss as long as it doesn’t dislodge the filling. If you have managed it give yourself a pat on the back!