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 Hillcrest
A filling or crown that falls out leaves the tooth exposed. Hillcrest patients can learn how to protect it and arrange a repair visit at our Port Dover office.
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.
Hillcrest patients are seen at our Port Dover office
Browse every service for HillcrestProtect the exposed tooth
A lost restoration is a sign the tooth needs a closer look.
Fillings and crowns can come loose because of new decay underneath, a broken tooth, worn cement or biting on something hard. When they fall out, the tooth beneath may be sensitive, sharp-edged or more vulnerable to breaking. Even if it does not hurt, the exposed area can collect bacteria and food, so it should be examined and restored before further damage occurs.
Hillcrest patients who have lost a filling or crown can call our Port Dover office to describe what happened. The team will help judge how soon you need to be seen and give practical advice on protecting the tooth and keeping it comfortable until your appointment takes place.
Right after
A few simple steps protect the tooth until it is seen.
Save the crown or pieces
If a crown has come off whole, keep it in a clean container and bring it to your appointment, since it may be possible to recement it. Check whether a piece of tooth is attached to the inside, which can suggest the tooth itself has broken. Fillings usually crumble, so there is often nothing to save, but note the tooth involved.
Keep the tooth comfortable
Rinse gently with warm water and avoid chewing on that side. Dental wax or temporary filling material from a pharmacy can cover a sharp edge or sensitive area for a short time. Avoid household glue, which can harm the tooth and crown. Over-the-counter pain relief may help if it is safe for you, taken according to the label.
How urgent?
The level of discomfort helps guide timing.
When to come in sooner
Severe pain, swelling of the gum or face, a broken tooth with sharp fragments or a front tooth crown lost before an important event may call for a prompt appointment. Pain that throbs or keeps you awake can indicate nerve inflammation or infection. Describe these symptoms clearly when you call so the team can prioritize your visit appropriately.
When a short wait is reasonable
If the tooth is comfortable and only mildly sensitive, a short wait for the next available appointment may be reasonable. Keep the area clean, avoid very hot, cold or sugary foods and do not chew on that side. Call again if symptoms change, because a tooth that seemed fine can become painful as it is exposed to food and temperature.
Repair options
The dentist checks why it came out before fixing it.
Recementing or replacing a crown
If the crown and tooth are both intact and free of decay, the dentist may be able to clean and recement the original crown. If there is new decay, a broken tooth or the crown no longer fits, a new crown may be needed. A temporary crown can protect the tooth while a replacement is made, and the dentist will explain the plan.
Replacing a lost filling
A lost filling is usually replaced after any decay is removed. If the remaining tooth is weak or the cavity is large, the dentist may suggest an onlay or crown for better support. X-rays may help assess the tooth. Ask what caused the filling to fail so you understand whether a different restoration will last longer.
Preventing a repeat
Good habits reduce the chance of losing another.
Protecting your restorations
Avoid chewing ice, hard sweets and very sticky foods such as toffee, which can pull restorations loose. If you grind or clench, ask about a night guard. Brush and floss carefully around the edges of fillings and crowns, where new decay often starts. Limiting frequent sugary snacks also reduces the risk of decay that undermines restorations.
Regular checks
Regular checkups give the dentist a chance to spot worn or leaking restorations before they fail. X-rays can reveal decay under old fillings. If a crown feels loose, food catches around a filling or a tooth becomes sensitive, mention it early. Repairing a restoration while the tooth is still sound is usually simpler than dealing with a sudden loss.
Planning your appointment
Repairing the tooth after a call from Hillcrest.
Call our Port Dover office and describe which tooth is affected, whether you have the crown and how much it hurts. The team will advise on timing and arrange the appropriate appointment for the repair.
Bring the crown in a clean container and avoid trying to reattach it yourself with glue or other household products.
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?
Household glue should not be used, as it can damage the tooth and crown and may prevent proper recementation. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can hold a crown briefly in some cases, but see the dentist as soon as possible.
Is a lost filling an emergency?
It is usually not a medical emergency, but it should be addressed soon. Pain, swelling or a broken tooth call for a prompter visit. Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side until it is repaired.
Why did my crown fall off?
Common reasons include decay underneath, worn cement, a broken tooth or biting something hard. The dentist will examine the tooth to find the cause, which helps decide whether the crown can be recemented or needs replacement.
Can the same crown be put back?
Often, if the crown and tooth are intact and decay-free. If the tooth has broken or there is new decay, a new crown may be needed. Bring the crown with you so the dentist can assess it.
What if the tooth is very sensitive?
Exposed dentin can be sensitive to temperature and sweets. Avoid triggers, use toothpaste for sensitive teeth and cover the area with dental wax. If pain is severe or lingers, call the office for an earlier appointment.
Restorations that may follow
Dental Emergencies →Dental Crowns →
A crown covers and strengthens a tooth weakened by decay, cracks or large fillings. Hillcrest patients can discuss materials and steps in Port Dover.
Composite Fillings →
Composite fillings restore decayed teeth with tooth-coloured resin. Hillcrest patients can learn how they are placed and cared for at our Port Dover office.