Broken Fillings
Menasha, WI
 People who have poor oral health and hygiene are more susceptible to gradual tooth decay and dental cavities. The gradual build-up of acid-producing bacteria on the surface of your teeth can lead to enamel erosion and cavities in your teeth. To fill these holes and protect your teeth from further damage, your dentist will recommend getting dental fillings.
Dental fillings can be made out of materials like stainless steel, metal alloys, gold, porcelain, ceramic, vinyl, composite resin, or tooth-colored plastic. Dental fillings are inserted inside your tooth cavities to fill the holes and stop the bacteria from reaching the pulp of your teeth.
Dental fillings can also be used as an alternative treatment method for fixing your chipped or broken teeth. Accidents that result in facial traumas like hitting your face on a hard surface during a fall can lead to chipped or broken teeth. It has been observed that most people chip or break their teeth while playing sports. The impact of a ball hitting your face or a hard fall can be damaging for your teeth. Teeth injuries suffered by athletes are one of the most common dental emergencies that dentists respond to. This is the reason why dentists always recommend wearing mouth guards while playing sports to protect your teeth from injuries.
However, dental fillings are not a permanent solution for broken teeth or dental cavities. While most dental fillings are long-lasting (depending on the material used), they will not stay grounded in your teeth forever. Dental fillings can break and leave your teeth vulnerable to damage.
To fix a broken filling, you must do the following:
Make a Dental Appointment
You will need to make an urgent appointment with your dentist to fix the broken filling. Broken fillings cannot be replaced at home, neither will they fix naturally. Delaying your dental visit could result in a serious bacterial infection and tooth loss. If the bacteria make their way into the pulp of your teeth, they could damage the roots of your teeth and make your teeth so loose that they will fall out on their own.
You will be able to notice a broken filling in two ways. One, you may notice something hard while chewing your food. It will feel as if you are chewing on a bone, but it will be your dental filling. Two, you will notice the hole or breakage while brushing your teeth.
As soon as you notice a broken dental filling, make an appointment with your doctor and request for the filling to be replaced.
Rinse your Mouth with Salt and Water
Saltwater rinse is an effective home remedy for preventing bacterial infections and soothing inflammation. It will help to wash away harmful bacteria from your mouth and prevent infections while you wait for the new filling.
To prepare a salt water rinse, add 1 teaspoon of salt in lukewarm water and mix it well. After the salt has been dissolved, rinse your mouth with the solution and repeat the process twice a day.
Repairing the Broken Filling
During your dental visit, you will undergo a dental exam. Your dentist will assess the extent of damage and might even consider taking scans of your teeth. This will allow for checking if bacteria have invaded your tooth pulp and spread to the roots of your teeth. If this is the case, then instead of repairing the broken fillings, your dentist will advise getting a root canal.
A root canal is performed to clean the decaying matter from the pulp and roots of your teeth and removing the harmful bacteria from the site.
But if your teeth are safe and there is no sign of a bacterial infection or tooth decay, your dentist will remove the broken filling, clean your tooth thoroughly, and fill the cavities or fractures with a new filling.
If you require immediate assistance to repair your broken filling, please visit us at Mid Valley Dental. Our dedicated team of licensed dentists includes Michael J. Wockenfus, DDS and Dr. Wockenfus. They will repair your broken fillings and protect your teeth from damage. You can call us at (920) 215-4160 to book your appointment.
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