Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
★★★★★
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Lost Filling or Crown Repair in Glen Meyer
A filling or crown that falls out leaves the tooth exposed. Glen Meyer patients can learn how to protect the area, what to bring and how repairs are handled.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
Let’s get you smiling
Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Seeing patients from Glen Meyer and the surrounding countryside at our Port Dover office
Browse all dental services for Glen MeyerProtect the exposed tooth
A missing filling or crown leaves the tooth vulnerable.
Fillings and crowns can come loose because of new decay underneath, wear over time, a hard or sticky bite or a weakened cement seal. When they fall out, the exposed tooth may feel sharp, sensitive or uncomfortable, and it is more likely to break or collect food and bacteria until it is repaired.
If a filling or crown has come out while you are in Glen Meyer, call our Port Dover office to describe what happened. The team can suggest how to protect the tooth in the meantime and arrange an assessment based on your symptoms and availability.
Right away
Simple care can prevent further damage.
Save the crown or pieces
If a crown comes off, keep it in a clean, safe container and bring it to your appointment, as it may be possible to recement it. For a lost filling, any pieces are usually not reused but can still be brought along. Check whether the tooth itself looks broken, and avoid swallowing any loose fragments while you check.
Keep the area clean and protected
Rinse gently with warm water to remove debris. Brush carefully around the area to keep it clean. A sharp edge can be covered temporarily with dental wax or sugar-free gum. Avoid chewing on that side, and steer clear of very hot, cold or sticky foods. Some pharmacies sell temporary materials, but ask the team before using them.
Managing symptoms
Pay attention to how the tooth feels.
Handling sensitivity and discomfort
Exposed dentin can be sensitive to cold, sweets and air. Toothpaste for sensitive teeth may help slightly in the short term, and over-the-counter pain relief can be used as directed on the label. Do not place aspirin against the gum. If sensitivity is mild, keep the area clean and protected until your appointment and note any changes.
Signs the problem may be more serious
Throbbing pain, pain that wakes you at night, swelling of the gum or face, a bad taste or fever can indicate infection or nerve involvement. Contact the office promptly if these occur. Seek emergency medical care for swelling spreading quickly or any difficulty breathing or swallowing, rather than waiting for the scheduled dental visit to arrive.
Repair options
The dentist checks why it came out before fixing it.
Recementing or replacing a crown
The dentist examines the tooth and may take X-rays to look for decay or damage underneath. If the crown and tooth are both in good condition, the crown may be cleaned and recemented. If decay or a fracture is found, the tooth may need treatment first, and a new crown may be recommended if the old one no longer fits well.
Replacing a filling or upgrading the repair
A lost filling is typically replaced after any new decay is removed. If the tooth has lost a large amount of structure, the dentist may recommend an inlay, onlay or crown instead, to provide better protection. They will explain why one option is preferred and what each involves, so you can make an informed choice about the repair.
Preventing repeats
Understanding the cause helps prevent it happening again.
Protecting the repaired tooth
Avoid chewing very hard or sticky foods, such as toffee, ice or hard candy, especially on older restorations. If you grind your teeth, ask whether a night guard might reduce the stress on fillings and crowns. Brush and clean between teeth daily, since new decay at the edges is a common reason restorations loosen over time.
Regular checks on older restorations
Regular checkups allow the dentist to examine older fillings and crowns for wear, cracks or gaps before they fail. Replacing a worn restoration on a planned basis is often easier than dealing with an emergency. Ask the dentist which restorations look stable and which may need attention soon, so you can plan ahead and spread the work out.
Planning your appointment
Getting a lost filling or crown seen from Glen Meyer
Call our Port Dover office to describe which tooth is affected and whether you have pain or swelling. The team can advise on how soon you should come in and what you should bring.
Bring the crown or any pieces in a clean container, and avoid using household glue or unapproved materials to reattach anything.
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.
Can I glue my crown back on myself?
Do not use household glue, which can damage the crown and tooth. Some pharmacies sell temporary dental cement, but ask the office before using it. The dentist needs to check the tooth and crown to make sure they are healthy before recementing.
Is a lost filling an emergency?
It depends on your symptoms. A lost filling without pain can usually wait for a prompt appointment, while severe pain or swelling needs quicker attention. Call the office to describe what you are experiencing so the team can advise on urgency.
Why did my filling fall out?
Common reasons include new decay underneath, wear over time, biting something hard or sticky, and grinding. The dentist will examine the tooth to identify the cause and recommend the most suitable repair to reduce the chance of it happening again.
Can my old crown be reused?
Sometimes. If the crown is intact and the tooth underneath is healthy, it may be cleaned and recemented. If there is decay, damage or a poor fit, a new crown may be recommended. Bring the crown so the dentist can assess it.
What should I eat until the tooth is repaired?
Choose softer foods and chew on the opposite side. Avoid very hot, cold, sweet or sticky items that could cause sensitivity or damage. Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and rinsing until your appointment.
Restorations to know about
Dental Emergencies →Dental Crowns →
A crown covers a weakened tooth to restore its shape and strength. Glen Meyer patients can learn when crowns are advised, how they are made and their care.
Composite Fillings →
Tooth-coloured composite fillings repair many cavities while blending with enamel. Glen Meyer patients can learn when they suit and how to look after them.