Although tooth-colored fillings are widely used today, what should you do about your old silver fillings? Here’s what you should know if you’re thinking of replacing this material for your cavities.

Unless There Is Damage Present

Your amalgam fillings shouldn’t need to be replaced unless there’s damage present. This
includes chipped or cracked fillings, decay that continues to come back, and gaps in the filling. Your dentist can help you determine if there’s a reason to replace your silver filling by doing a dental exam that will reveal any potential wear, damage, or problems.

If there’s nothing wrong with your silver filling, your dentist probably won’t recommend that you replace it. A silver filling that’s still intact and shows no damage is best left alone. Removing it may even expose you to more mercury than just leaving it in, so talk with your dentist about what condition your filling is in and what the best treatment is.

Using Composite Fillings

If your silver filling shows damage or you’re just set on changing the filling, your dentist should be able to help you find a better restoration that you’re more comfortable with. Tooth-colored fillings, or composite resin fillings, are virtually indistinguishable and bond directly to the tooth, making them a more efficient, safer solution.

Your dentist can help you determine when and if your silver filling needs to be removed and replaced with a composite one. If your dentist recommends against removing the amalgam filling, you can still choose to replace it, just know that your dentist doesn’t think this is the best course of action at this point in time.

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

Composite fillings require that less of your tooth’s healthy tissue be removed. In silver fillings, tooth tissue that’s not affected by decay needs to be removed to properly put in the amalgam filling. With tooth-colored fillings, only the damaged area is removed, ensuring that more of your healthy tooth and its natural structure is left alone.

Tooth-colored fillings also last longer, are safer, cosmetically appealing, and help strengthen the damaged tooth. They bond directly to teeth unlike silver fillings, and so ensure that your smile is as seamless as possible, making those unsightly amalgam fillings a thing of the past. The best part is that no one will even notice your composite fillings, making your smile look more uniform and complete.

Do you have amalgam fillings and have considered getting them removed? If your silver fillings are in good condition, you might not need any treatment at this point. A skilled and experienced dentist can help you determine how your fillings are holding up and whether or not they need to be replaced with composite fillings!

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Make a Dentist Appointment

Although it might feel like your tooth is fine at the moment, you need to make a dentist appointment right away. Call and tell them what happened and ask when they can fit you in. The following suggestions will only last a few days at the absolute most. You need to get your tooth repaired as soon as possible!

Make Use of Dental Cement

Over-the-counter dental cement can usually be found at your local pharmacy. If you apply this to your filling, it can substitute as a protective layer if your dentist appointment is a couple days away. If you had a crown placed over your filling and it came loose, you can try to fit the crown over the tooth. If you choose to do this, it’s imperative that you clean the crown first. You can also use the dental cement to temporarily “glue” your crown back on.

Try Clove Oil for Pain

Since your cavity is the result of eroded enamel, your affected tooth is going to be pretty sensitive. You may experience a mild pain from temperature or exposure, or it may be intense. To help cope with the pain, you can try clove essential oil. It’s relatively inexpensive and can be found at most supermarkets. Dab a very small amount—about a Q-Tip size—onto your cavity to help ease your tooth pain.

Keep Your Mouth Clean

It’s important to keep your mouth clean while your filling is exposed. You don’t want any food particles or bacteria making a home in there. Carefully remove food debris, brush gently around the area, and try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth. You may also choose to rinse with warm salt water, which may help ease pain.

Sugar-Free Gum Can Help

As with dental cement, sugar-free gum can work as a temporary filling. It may even help ease your tooth sensitivity. Never use gum that has sugar, otherwise it can make the cavity worse and irritate the area. Simply chew a piece of gum and place over the area. Keep it on for as often as you’re able to until your appointment.

When you lose a filling, don’t panic! You will need to see your dentist as soon as you can, but it’s not exactly a dental emergency. You can employ the use of these materials and practices to help you out in the meantime. Remember, seeing your dentist can fix the cavity right up. Fillings don’t last forever and you’ll need to replace yours eventually!

Post image courtesy of All Brite Dental

The post Lose a Filling? Don’t Panic! Here’s What You Can Do Until You See Your Dentist appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

There are several different types of fillings these days. Although the traditional amalgam (silver) fillings aren’t as popular anymore, composite fillings, ceramic, and glass ionomers are all options you may have. You and your dentist will decide on the best one for you based on the size and location of your cavity. Talk with your dentist about what to expect the setting time for your material to be—not every material has the same one!

Brush and Floss Gently

After you get your cavity filled, you can brush and floss as normal—and this means gently! Always choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. No need to take special care when brushing around your cavity, just ensure your brushing is gentle so to not damage your enamel or your new filling!

Avoid Extreme Hot or Cold Foods

Sensitivity may happen as a result of any food you consume with extreme temperatures for the next few days or weeks. You’ll want to try and avoid foods with extreme temperatures; these could not only hurt you but your filling! You may also experience sensitivity when biting down, a sensation that should go away as your mouth heals.

Take Caution When Chewing

Be gentle when chewing. It may help to chew on the opposite side that your cavity was filled on. Be careful while eating and drinking, especially because of the local anesthesia as well as the time it’ll take your filling to set. Avoid eating or drinking for a couple hours while the anesthesia wears off and you can comfortably chew food again, and if you can, avoid chewing directly on the filling for a couple of days.

Contact Your Dentist

It’s always best to follow up with your dentist to ensure the filling has set properly, but in the meantime, call your dentist if you have extreme pain, trouble biting down on the filled tooth, or notice cracks in the filled tooth. Your dentist will advise you on which symptoms are normal and which aren’t. Always call your dentist if you have any questions or concerns!

With the proper care, your filling will set securely and your tooth will be protected for years. Talk with your dentist about the best filling material of your tooth, and treat your mouth with care in the days after the procedure. This includes avoiding hot and cold foods, chewing carefully, and brushing gently!

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