I had a temporary filling put in this week after a root canal. I’m scheduled to get a crown in a week. I’m wondering if I have a problem and need to get in sooner. I was eating some potstickers and I think my tooth started to crumble. I keep feeling something grainy when I’m chewing. Do I need to get in today?
Morgan – San Diego
Morgan,
It’s more likely that your temporary filling fell out. Potstickers are pretty sticky and they could have encouraged the filling along. I don’t think you need an emergency dental appointment yet.
Look at the tooth. If you see a hole in the middle of the tooth, that’s likely where the filling was. Temporary fillings are designed to come out easily, so your dentist can place its permanent replacement. There are temporary replacement fillings that you can use to fill the hole until your appointment. You can get them at a local drugstore, but they’re only meant to last a few days.
However, if you look back there and it seems as if the tooth has broken, then I’d call the dentist. They’ll be able to work you in as an emergency appointment. Either way, you’ll be taken care of.
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