Do I Need to See an Emergency Dentist If My Mouth Tastes Like Metal?

If your mouth is starting to taste like metal, you might be wondering what is wrong and if you need to see an emergency dentist. One of the most likely causes of a metal taste in the mouth is a loose filling. An old filling made of metal can become loose and you will have a metallic taste in your mouth. It is important to have this taken care of as soon as possible.

Causes of loose fillings

There are a number of reasons why a metal filling may be loose. Many fillings will become loose at some point because they do not last forever. For example, if the filling is old and is already becoming loose, eating something hard may be the breaking point for that filling. It is also possible that the patient has more decay underneath the filling, which can cause the filling to eventually fall out.

Determining if there is a loose filling

Besides having a metallic taste in the mouth, a patient with a loose filling may feel a sharp pain in the area. The tooth may be sensitive to sugary foods. If the filling is on a molar, the patient may feel a change in their bite. It may also hurt when the patient touches the teeth together.

Importance of fixing a loose filling

A filling’s purpose is to keep bacteria and other debris out of the cavity in the tooth. If the filling is loose, then bacteria can get into the cavity again. This can cause the tooth to start decaying again. The decayed part of the tooth cannot be saved, so the dentist will need to remove it. If too much of the tooth decays, then the dentist will need to remove the tooth.

Getting the filling replaced as soon as possible is important to save the tooth. The tissue of the tooth can also become exposed to air and temperature changes. This means that a loose filling may cause extreme pain for the patient. Severe pain is another sign that it is time for an emergency dental visit.

How an emergency dentist repairs a loose filling

A loose filling is repaired in much the same way that a dentist fills a tooth. The emergency dentist will remove the old metal filling. Next, the dentist will clean the tooth and remove any decay if necessary. This allows there to be space for the new filling. The dentist may use a filling made out of a tooth-colored substance so it will not be noticeable.

Choose an emergency dentist today

If you have a metallic taste in your mouth, it is most likely caused by a loose metal filling. Getting this filling removed and replaced should be a priority for you. This will prevent bacteria from entering the area and causing decay to the tooth. An emergency dentist can help prevent you from having a root canal and can save your tooth.

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