PLEASE VISIT US AT OUR COMPLETELY UPDATED OFFICE - NOW WEST OF ROYAL YORK ROAD

Lost Filling or Crown? Here’s How to Manage Before Your Emergency Dental Visit

Dental restorations, such as fillings and crowns, play a crucial role in maintaining oral health by protecting the tooth structure and preventing further decay or damage. When they suddenly fall out it’s not just an annoyance—it can lead to pain and potential complications if left unaddressed. Fortunately taking quick action can help mitigate some of these issues before you make it to your dentist. This guide will walk you through the steps to manage a lost filling or crown situation effectively. 

Why Do Fillings and Crowns Fall Out?

  • Tooth Decay: A tooth can begin to deteriorate to the point where the structure of the tooth becomes weak and brittle. This can cause fillings and crowns to dislodge or fall out. Tooth decay underneath the crown or filling can also force the dental appliance to loosen. 
  • Wear-and-Tear: Everyday wear-and-tear on the teeth from talking, chewing and biting on hard objects can cause fillings and crowns to erode over time. The impact of bite force is significant; it can erode the structure of the teeth over time, especially if you often consume hard foods or have habits like nail biting. 
  • Accidental Trauma: A filling or crown can become damaged, dislodged or lost by accidental trauma to the tooth as a result of sports injuries, falls and car accidents. The sudden impact to the mouth can exert pressure on the teeth, weakening the protective shield. 
  • Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene can weaken fillings and crowns leading to tooth decay. Additionally, if gum disease develops, it can compromise the stability of dental restorations, leading to their loosening or loss.

Why Is It Important to Maintain Dental Restorations?

  • Preventing Emergencies: Preventing dental emergencies is key to protecting your oral health and overall general health. The state of your teeth can have a profound effect on the rest of your body, including your heart. A dislodged crown or filling left unattended can lead to an infection, destroy the tooth, and spread throughout the body. 
  • Protecting the Tooth Structure: The goal of all dental restorations is to protect the structure of the affected tooth. Immediately addressing an issue with a damaged tooth can protect the affected tooth and the adjacent teeth. The filling or crown protects weakened or cracked teeth and can last for decades with proper care.
  • Maintaining Aesthetics: Beyond function fillings and crowns can enhance the aesthetic appearance of your teeth. A more attractive smile can boost self-esteem, creating positive impacts in both social and professional settings. A confident smile can open doors and create opportunities, making the maintenance of restorations all the more important.

Immediate Steps to Take when a Filling or Crown Is Lost

  • Recover the Lost Filling or Crown: Before you make an appointment for emergency dental services, locate the lost filling or crown, if possible and store it in a secure container to bring to the appointment. Your dentist may be able to clean the crown and reattach it. 
  • Clean the Affected Area: It’s crucial to keep the area clean to prevent infection. Rinse your mouth with warm water gently to remove any debris. Avoid using alcohol-based mouthwashes as they can irritate the exposed area.
  • Use Temporary Dental Cement: If possible, apply over-the-counter dental cement as a short-term fix until you can see an emergency dentist. Dental cement acts as a protective shield for holes left by lost fillings and crowns until a permanent treatment can be performed. 
  • Avoid Certain Foods: Once a filling or crown is dislodged avoid eating or drinking if possible. If you need to eat, stick to soft foods and try not to chew on the affected side to prevent further damage or discomfort. Hard or sticky foods should be avoided as they may aggravate the situation.

Potential Risks of Delaying Emergency Dental Care

  • Increased Risk of Infection: Open cavities caused by the loss of a filling are more prone to bacterial infections. As a crown acts as a protective shield for the tooth, infection can also set into the space if a piece or the entire crown is missing. 
  • Tooth Sensitivity or Pain: An exposed tooth nerve will result in acute pain and discomfort, especially when food or beverages are consumed. If you notice red and inflamed gums, tooth discolouration and a receding gumline, it may mean that the nerves are exposed. 
  • Damage to the Underlying Tooth Structure: Neglecting dental treatments after a lost filling or crown can result in damage or complete loss of the underlying tooth. Harmful bacteria can lead to an infection and/or tooth decay. Over time, this can necessitate more invasive procedures like root canals or extractions.

How Emergency Dental Services Can Help: What to Expect

At an emergency dental visit, the dentist will conduct a thorough physical examination of the oral cavity and may order X-rays and/or other diagnostic tests. This assessment is crucial to determining the best course of action for repair or replacement.

In most cases, there will be several treatment options to choose from, depending on the extent of the damage. 

  • Repairing the Existing Filling or Crown: In some cases, the dentist may be able to re-cement a crown. Factors such as the condition of the tooth and the restoration will influence the durability of this repair.
  • Replacing it with a New Restoration: Dental restorations vary and your dentist may choose from different types, such as composite fillings or porcelain crowns, based on the location of the tooth, its function, and aesthetic considerations. A new composite filling or crown may require more than one dental visit.
  • Root Canal Therapy: In some cases, root canal treatment may be required to repair a tooth that has lost a filling or crown if an infection has set in. This procedure involves removing the infected tissue and sealing the tooth to prevent further infection.
  • Pain Relief and Restoring Tooth Function: Emergency dental care can effectively relieve pain and discomfort almost immediately. As the affected tooth and adjacent gums can be sensitive and painful, pain relievers and/or anesthetic numbing creams will be applied to the area for a painless restoration of the tooth. 

Emergency and Professional Care at Princeview Dental Clinic

At Princeview Dental Group, we offer emergency dental care during our normal business hours. Our team is prepared to offer quick and effective emergency services. We will assess your situation and provide recommendations to restore your smile as quickly and effectively as possible. If you experience excessive bleeding that does not stop or if your tooth has been knocked out, contact our office immediately. 

How to Protect Your Fillings and Crowns: Simple Prevention Tips

  • Avoid Sticky or Hard Foods: One of the important dental care tips for fillings and crowns is to avoid consuming sticky or hard foods that can dislodge fillings or crowns. Sticky candies and hard nuts or ice are common culprits that should be consumed with caution.
  • Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily with a gentle motion to clean the surface, prevent tooth decay, and maintain your restorations. Also, carefully floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles stuck between teeth. Consistent oral hygiene is your first line of defense against cavities and other dental issues.
  • Schedule Regular Check-Ups: Preventive care is key to avoiding dental emergencies. To protect your oral health, schedule regular dental check-ups and make dental restoration maintenance a top priority. Visiting your dentist for examinations and cleanings can help you identify abnormalities and signs of tooth decay. 

Don't Let a Lost Filling or Crown Ruin Your Day: Contact Princeview Dental for Emergency Dental Care 

Losing a filling or crown doesn't have to ruin your day. Acting quickly and following the steps outlined above can help protect your tooth and manage discomfort until you receive professional care.

For emergency dental care for lost fillings and crowns, talk to the team at Princeview Dental Group. Our dentist is available for same-day or next-day dental assistance, ensuring you get back to a healthy, confident smile in no time.Call (416) 231-4562 to schedule an appointment with our dentist at Princeview if you suspect you’ve lost a filling or crown to prevent tooth decay. 

Comments are closed.

Call Today To Book An Appointment 416-231-4562