What to do if your child has lost or loose fillings
Lost or loose fillings are fairly common; the filling can be knocked loose by new decay, eating crunchy or hard foods, teeth grinding, or an accident. Tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages, and a hole in the tooth are all signs that something is wrong with your child’s filling.
Call us immediately if your child’s filling is knocked out or loosens. You can use dental wax or a temporary filling material (available at drugstores) to seal the tooth until your child is able to see us. Have your child avoid biting or chewing with the tooth until it’s repaired. We will remove any decay from your child’s tooth and place a new filling. Depending on how much of the tooth is left, your child may need a dental crown to protect it.
When to seek dental care for lost or loose fillings
Always call us if you suspect your child has a lost or loose filling. Fillings restore and protect your child’s tooth; they also keep bacteria and debris from entering the tooth and causing tooth decay or an infection. We need to promptly repair the tooth to ensure bacteria doesn’t enter the space left unprotected by the missing filling.
When in doubt, call 911 immediately
In a pediatric emergency, it's essential to act quickly and seek medical help immediately. When faced with a situation where a child's health or life may be at risk, it's better to err on the side of caution and call 911 right away. Delaying treatment can worsen the condition and make it more difficult to save the child.
Lost or Loose Fillings, Queens & Brooklyn, New York
OUR TREATMENTS
You can use dental wax or a temporary filling material (available at drugstores) to seal the tooth until your child is able to see us.
