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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Lost Filling or Crown Repair in Boston
When a filling falls out or a crown comes loose, protect the tooth and call. Boston patients can learn safe stopgaps and how Port Dover handles repair.
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Caring for Boston, Ontario patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for Boston patientsWhen dental work comes loose
A lost filling or crown leaves the tooth exposed and vulnerable.
Fillings and crowns can come loose because of new decay underneath, a worn-out cement seal, biting on something hard or simple age. When they fall out, the tooth underneath may be sensitive, sharp or weaker than it looks. Even if it does not hurt, the exposed tooth can decay or break more easily, so it should be checked before long.
If a filling or crown has come out and you live in Boston, call our Port Dover office to describe what happened. The team will advise on how soon you should be seen and how to protect the tooth until your appointment, including what to eat and what to avoid.
First steps
Keep the crown safe and treat the tooth gently.
Save what came out
If a crown comes off, rinse it gently and store it in a small container or sealed bag. Bring it with you to the appointment, as it may be possible to recement it. Pieces of filling usually cannot be reused, but it can still help to know roughly how much came out and when it happened.
Protect the exposed tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water and check for sharp edges. Dental wax or sugar-free gum can temporarily cover a rough spot. Avoid chewing on that side and steer clear of very hot, cold, sweet or sticky foods that might cause pain or further damage to the exposed tooth. Brush the area gently so food does not collect in the gap.
Temporary measures
Short-term fixes can help, but they are not a repair.
Pharmacy repair materials
Pharmacies often sell temporary filling material or dental cement. These can cover a hole or hold a crown in place for a short time if used carefully according to the instructions. Make sure the crown sits fully in place before biting; a crown that is seated incorrectly can affect your bite and irritate the gum.
What not to use
Never use household glue or superglue to reattach a crown, as these can damage the tooth, gum and crown itself. Do not leave a lost filling or crown untreated for a long time, even if the tooth feels fine. Temporary measures only buy time until the dentist can examine and properly restore the tooth at the office.
At the office
The dentist looks at why the restoration failed.
Checking the tooth underneath
The dentist will examine the tooth for decay, cracks or damage and may take x-rays. Understanding why the filling or crown came out helps decide the best fix. If the tooth underneath is healthy, the solution may be straightforward. If decay or a fracture is present, more treatment may be needed before a new restoration is placed.
Repair or replacement
A crown in good condition may be recemented. A damaged crown or a tooth that has changed may need a new one. Lost fillings are usually replaced with a new filling, or sometimes an inlay, onlay or crown if the tooth has become weaker. The dentist will explain the options and the reasons behind each recommendation.
Afterward
Good habits help restorations stay where they belong.
Settling in after repair
Some sensitivity after a new filling or recemented crown is common and usually fades. If the bite feels high, pain increases or the restoration feels loose again, contact the office. A quick check and adjustment can prevent further problems and make the tooth more comfortable. Chew gently on that side for the first day while you get used to the new surface.
Protecting restorations
Brush and floss carefully around fillings and crowns, where decay often starts. Avoid chewing ice, hard candy or sticky caramels. If you grind or clench, ask about a night guard. Regular checkups allow the dentist to monitor restorations and spot weaknesses before they fail, which is usually simpler than arranging an urgent repair later on.
Planning your appointment
Calling from Boston about lost dental work
Phone our Port Dover office as soon as you notice a filling or crown has come out. Explain whether the tooth hurts and whether you still have the crown, so the team can advise on timing.
Bring the crown in a small container, and avoid chewing on the affected side until the tooth has been examined.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Lost filling and crown questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Is a lost filling an emergency?
It depends. If the tooth is very painful, sharp or swollen, call promptly for advice. If there is no pain, it is still important to have it repaired soon, because the exposed tooth is vulnerable to decay and breakage.
Can my crown be put back on?
Often, if the crown and tooth are in good condition. Bring the crown with you. The dentist will check whether it can be recemented or whether a new crown is needed because of decay or damage underneath.
Can I use pharmacy cement?
Temporary dental cement or filling material from a pharmacy can help for a short time if used carefully. It is not a permanent repair. Never use household glue, which can harm the tooth and gum.
Why did my filling fall out?
Common reasons include new decay, wear over time, biting on something hard or a cracked tooth. The dentist will examine the tooth to understand why and recommend a repair that is likely to last longer.
What if I swallowed my crown?
A swallowed crown usually passes without harm, but contact the office for advice. If you think you inhaled it and you are coughing or having trouble breathing, seek emergency medical care right away without waiting.
Restorations that may be involved
Dental Emergencies →Dental Crowns →
A crown covers and strengthens a tooth weakened by decay, cracks or large fillings. Boston patients can learn why one is suggested and how visits go.
Composite Fillings →
Composite fillings repair decay with resin shaded to your tooth. Boston residents can learn how the visit works and how to care for fillings after.