A locked or stiff jaw can be a disconcerting experience, often causing discomfort and hindrance in everyday activities like talking and eating. While there are various causes for this condition, understanding its implications and how to care for it can ease discomfort and prevent further complications.

While dental fillings are durable restorations, they do not last forever. Under certain circumstances, a dental filling can fall out of a tooth, and it is important to treat a lost filling in a timely manner to preserve your dental health. Losing a dental filling can be scary, but knowing what to do ahead of time can allow you to bring the crisis to the best possible conclusion. Here’s a brief guide to caring for a lost dental filling while waiting for your dentist’s appointment.