Any dentists here? I have a question...

[CTyankee]

I lost a filling eating a piece of hard candy. I am not in pain but my dentist is going on vacation for a couple of weeks. The dentist covering him is not real close but of course if need be I will see him. My question is "Can it wait?"

[underpants]

1. I wouldn't wait.

Oh I’m not a dentist.

[CTyankee]

2. That's OK. Thanks for your input. I'd prefer not but if I must go, fine.

[elleng]

3. Check PCintern, Yank.

[no_hypocrisy]

4. Do it now.

You need a replacement filling to protect the tooth from bacteria and/or cracking from chewing.

[Harker]

5. 4 out of 5 DUers say...

it may not hurt now, but it's better to remain ahead of the pain.

I'm not a dentist, either, but my dear mother was a dental office assistant.

[IcyPeas]

11. hahaha

[Tree-Hugger]

6. Don't wait

I'm not in dental pain, but I have severe dental problems. Trust me, do not wait.

[TygrBright]

7. Ask for a temp filling ASAP, sort the rest out later.

Not a dentist but have been there.

You do NOT want an infection to get going in whatever part of the pulp and root are exposed by the filling loss.

Really not.

A temp filling should not take long and will keep things covered, so to speak, until your dentist is back and has time to determine whether another filling will meet the case or whether you need something more.

helpfully,
Bright

[CTyankee]

8. OK. Thanks everybody!

[MontanaMama]

9. Even a temp filling would be advisable

until your dds can put in a permanent filling. PCIntern here on DU would be who I would ask about this.

[CTyankee]

10. Thank you.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

12. When ducK tape just won't do...

[Marcus IM]

13. For two weeks you'll be fine.

I am a recently retired DDS. No sensitivity means no nerve exposure. Just keep it clean and you'll be OK.

Make the appointment now so you'll be among the first patients when your dentist returns.

[Dave in VA]

14. Don't make my mistake!

Had a filling come out while we were out of the country on vacation. On the way home on the plane I bit into some chocolate candy that I didn't know contained pieces of peanuts and WOOZAA! Felt like someone had hit me in the jaw with a baseball bat. My tooth had split into four pieces! Ended up have to get a root canal and a cap on the tooth.

So, just get a temp filling while you still can and sort things out with your regular dentist when they get back.

Good luck!