A broken or loose dental filling can expose your tooth’s dentin, pulp and nerves to bacteria, food, and plaque. If a broken or loose dental filling is not addressed in a timely manner, this can lead to extensive decay and potentially a dental infection.
At Pine Desert Dental, we offer emergency treatment for all types of urgent dental issues. If you suspect your dental filling is broken or loose, call us or visit our clinic in Sisters, Oregon.
If you notice a crack in your dental fillings, you should call your dentist as soon as possible in order to limit further complications. An untreated broken or loose dental filling could let bacteria seep down, leading to decay and potentially infecting the dental pulp (nerves and blood supply). This may result in the need for a root canal or tooth extraction.
You can schedule an emergency dental appointment at Pine Desert Dental if you are experiencing pain and sensitivity in your tooth or gums. In the meantime, we recommend swishing lukewarm salt water in your mouth to flush out all bacteria and food debris.
A dental filling may break or loosen up due to:
Your dental filling might be cracked if you notice a sharp pain and tooth sensitivity surrounding the area.
Note that a broken or loose filling is not always painful. Pay attention to the filling’s texture and if you notice a change in position or if it feels loose, contact your dentist.
During your emergency treatment for a broken or loose filling, Dr. Sunitsch will first review the area and ask questions about your symptoms. Once the damaged filling has been cleaned, a new one will be placed.
If the fracture is large or decay is extensive, your dentist might recommend a dental crown to replace the old filling.
Regular visits to your dentist for a check-up and regular cleaning can prevent the need for an emergency appointment. Fillings can develop microscopic and unnoticeable cracks with time. During your regular check, your dentist will:
Early detection of dental decay in your fillings will prevent total breakage and tooth pulp exposure. Proper treatment before an emergency can minimize the need for extensive and costly procedures.
Pine Desert Dental offers emergency dental care for broken or loose fillings. Dr. Zach Sunitsch and the Pine Desert Dental team can handle all your dental needs even after hours.
Dr. Sunitsch is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Oregon Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. At Pine Desert Dental, we offer comprehensive emergency services for urgent dental problems.
For emergency treatment or more information, call us at (541) 549-0109 or request an appointment online. You can also visit us at our clinic in Sisters, Oregon.
