Composite fillings, especially newer ones, are reasonably strong and durable, but they can wear out over time. Excess pressure, such as may occur when you grind your teeth, can cause them to wear out more quickly. Poor dental hygiene may contribute to decay that can compromise fillings. A filling that is loose is not a dental emergency, but it does require attention as soon as possible.
Some symptoms of a loose filling are obvious, while others are more subtle. You may not realize that you have a problem with your composite fillings until you see your dentist, who makes the diagnosis. On the other hand, you may have to make a special appointment between routine cleanings to have a dentist evaluate your symptomatic tooth. Here are some specific signs you may experience.
A loose filling may expose the nerves in the pulp of the tooth to air, resulting in pain. This can range in severity and may be sharp, aching, or throbbing in quality. You may feel pain particularly when your top and bottom teeth come together, due to the contact between two surfaces made of metal.
A tooth with a composite filling that has come loose may be unusually sensitive to certain stimuli:
Teeth with loose composite fillings may be sensitive to either hot or cold temperatures.
If a filling is loose, it may make the contours of your bite feel off when your teeth come together. You may not be able to bring your teeth together as normal because the loose filling is coming between your upper and lower teeth.
After a filling, tooth surfaces are usually smooth. If you detect roughness along a surface of a tooth with your tongue, it could be a sign of a loose filling.
It may be possible to tell that a filling is loose by looking at the tooth. As a layperson, you may not know what to look for or recognize the significance of what you are seeing, but your dentist will know what it means.
If you notice signs that a filling has come loose, you should contact your dentist's office as soon as possible. The situation will not improve if you wait. If anything, the problem may become worse.
If you are in pain, the office staff will try to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. However, it may be several hours, or possibly days, before you can see the dentist. In the interim, you can use over-the-counter pain medication or an ice pack to relieve the symptoms. You can gargle with antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria. You should try to keep the tooth clean by brushing carefully.
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You should recognize the symptoms of composite fillings that are loose and contact your dentist as soon as possible for treatment. You can use pain control and antiseptic measures in the interim.
Request an appointment or call Mission Family Dental at 805-205-9278 for an appointment in our San Luis Obispo office.
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