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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Lost Filling or Crown Repair in Forestville
A filling or crown came out? Forestville patients can learn how to protect the tooth, what to save and when to call our Port Dover office about a repair.
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Caring for Forestville patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for ForestvilleProtect the exposed tooth
A lost filling or crown leaves the tooth vulnerable until it is repaired.
Fillings and crowns can come loose because of decay underneath, gradual wear, a hard bite or cement that has broken down over the years. Sometimes there is no pain at all, while other times the exposed tooth is sensitive to air, temperature or chewing. Even when it feels fine, the tooth is more likely to break or decay without its protective covering.
Forestville patients who lose a filling or crown can call our Port Dover office to describe what happened. The team can help judge how soon the tooth should be seen, suggest how to protect it until your appointment and let you know what to bring with you when you come in.
Right away
A few simple steps protect the tooth in the meantime.
Save the crown and inspect the tooth
If a crown comes off, keep it in a clean container and bring it to your appointment, since it may be reusable. Look at the tooth in a mirror and note whether a piece of tooth came away with it. If a filling fell out, you probably will not be able to reuse it, but knowing which tooth is affected helps when you call.
Keep the area clean and comfortable
Rinse gently with warm water and brush carefully around the area to keep it clean. Avoid chewing on that side, and steer clear of sticky, hard or very hot and cold foods. Dental wax or temporary filling material from a pharmacy can cover the spot briefly. Over-the-counter pain relief can be used as directed on the package.
Temporary measures
Temporary fixes can help but are not long-term solutions.
Placing a crown back temporarily
If the crown is intact and the tooth is not painful, it may be possible to seat it back temporarily with a dental cement sold at pharmacies. Clean the inside of the crown first and check that it sits properly before biting down. If it does not slide into place easily, do not force it. Call the office for advice instead.
What not to do
Never use household glue or superglue, which can damage both the tooth and the crown and make proper re-cementing much harder. Avoid leaving a temporary fix in place for weeks without seeing the dentist. Decay can continue underneath, and an unprotected tooth may crack. A temporary measure is only meant to bridge the gap until your appointment.
Repair options
The dentist decides whether to reuse, repair or replace.
Re-cementing or replacing a crown
If both the crown and the tooth beneath it are in good condition, the dentist may simply clean them and cement the original crown back in place. If decay or a fracture is found, or the crown no longer fits well, a new crown may be needed. X-rays help reveal hidden problems under the surface that could affect this decision.
Refilling or upgrading the restoration
A lost filling may be replaced with a new filling if enough healthy tooth remains around it. A larger loss might call for an onlay or crown to strengthen the tooth instead. The dentist explains which option suits the situation, why it is recommended and how many appointments would be needed to complete the repair properly.
Preventing recurrence
Regular care reduces the chance of losing a restoration again.
Caring for the repaired tooth
Avoid chewing ice, hard candies and sticky toffee, all of which can loosen restorations. If you grind your teeth, ask about a night guard to reduce the strain. Brush and floss carefully around every crown and filling, since decay at the edges is one of the most common reasons restorations fail and fall out over time.
Spotting problems early
Regular checkups allow the dentist to spot worn or leaking fillings and crowns before they come loose. If a restoration starts to feel rough, high or slightly loose, mention it early. Dealing with it during a routine visit is usually easier than an urgent trip from Forestville when a restoration fails at an awkward moment.
Planning your appointment
Call our office from Forestville.
Phone our Port Dover office to report a lost filling or crown. Let the team know whether the tooth is painful, sensitive or broken, so they can advise on timing and how to protect it meanwhile.
Bring the crown in a clean container, and note how long ago the restoration was placed and by whom, if you know, since that can help with planning.
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?
Not always, but it should be seen soon. If there is pain, swelling or a sharp edge cutting your tongue, call promptly. Even without pain, the exposed tooth is more vulnerable to decay and breakage, so it is best not to wait too long.
Can I put my crown back on myself?
Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy may hold an intact crown for a short time if it slides into place easily. Do not force it and never use household glue. Call the office for guidance and book a proper assessment soon afterward.
Why did my filling fall out?
Common reasons include new decay underneath, wear over many years, biting something hard or grinding at night. The dentist will examine the tooth to find the likely cause and recommend a repair that addresses it, so the same problem is less likely to happen again.
Will my old crown be reused?
If the crown and the tooth beneath it are healthy and the fit is still good, the original crown may be cemented back in place. If there is decay, damage or a poor fit, a new crown may be recommended instead.
Can I eat with a missing filling?
Eat soft foods on the other side of your mouth and avoid anything sticky or hard. Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and rinsing. Have the tooth assessed soon, because the exposed area is more likely to chip or decay further.
Restorative care for Forestville
Dental Emergencies →Dental Crowns →
A crown covers a weakened tooth to restore strength and shape. Forestville patients can learn when crowns are advised and what the visits involve in Port Dover.
Composite Fillings →
Tooth-coloured composite fillings repair cavities and small breaks. Forestville patients can learn how one is placed, how long it lasts and how to care for it.