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 La Salette
Lost a filling or crown in La Salette? Learn how to protect the tooth, what to bring to Port Dover and whether a crown can be recemented or needs replacing.
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.
Caring for La Salette patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for La SaletteProtect the tooth underneath
A missing filling or crown leaves the tooth exposed and vulnerable.
Fillings and crowns can come loose because of new decay underneath, wear, a sticky food or a crack in the tooth. Sometimes there is no pain at all, while other times the tooth becomes sensitive to air, cold or biting. Either way, the exposed tooth is weaker and can break or decay further if left too long.
Should this happen in La Salette, call our Port Dover office to describe the situation. The team can advise how soon you should be seen, how to protect the tooth meanwhile and whether to bring the crown or filling pieces.
Right away
Simple steps protect the tooth until your visit.
Save the crown or pieces
If a crown has come off, keep it safe in a small container and bring it to the appointment. It may be possible to recement it. Filling fragments are not reusable, but it can help to note when it came out. Avoid swallowing loose pieces, and check whether any part of the tooth broke too.
Keep the area clean and comfortable
Rinse gently with warm water and brush the area carefully. Avoid chewing on that side. Sensitive teeth may benefit from desensitizing toothpaste. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can cover the area briefly, but use it only as directed and never use household glue.
Assessment
The dentist looks for the cause, not only the gap.
Checking for decay and cracks
New decay under the edge of a filling or crown is a common reason restorations fail. The dentist will examine the tooth and may take X-rays. Cracks in the tooth can also cause a crown or filling to loosen, so the remaining structure is checked carefully.
Evaluating the old restoration
An old crown may still be in good condition and fit well, in which case recementing could be an option. If it is damaged, the tooth underneath has changed or decay is present, a new restoration may be needed. The dentist will explain what the findings mean.
Repair options
The repair depends on the condition of the tooth.
Recementing or replacing a crown
If the crown and tooth are healthy, the dentist may clean both and recement the crown. If the crown is cracked or no longer fits, a new crown may be recommended. A temporary crown can protect the tooth while a new one is made.
New filling, onlay or crown
A lost filling may be replaced with a new filling if enough tooth remains. Larger damage may call for an onlay or crown. If the nerve has been affected by decay, root canal treatment may be needed first. The dentist will discuss the options and timing.
Preventing it
Good habits help restorations last longer.
Protecting new and existing restorations
Avoid very sticky candies, chewing ice and biting hard objects. If you grind or clench, ask about a night guard. Brush twice daily and clean between teeth to prevent decay at the edges of fillings and crowns, which is one of the main reasons they fail.
Regular monitoring
Regular checkups allow the dentist to spot worn, chipped or leaking restorations before they come out. Small problems can sometimes be repaired early. If a restoration feels rough, loose or different, contact the office rather than waiting for it to fall out.
Planning your appointment
From La Salette with a lost filling or crown.
Call our Port Dover office and describe what came out, whether you have pain and if the tooth broke. The team can suggest timing and what to bring along.
Bring the crown in a container, avoid chewing on that side and keep the area as clean as you comfortably can.
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?
Usually it is not an emergency, but it should be repaired soon to protect the tooth. Pain, swelling or a sharp broken edge should be reported promptly so the team can advise on timing.
Can my crown be put back on?
Sometimes, if the crown and tooth are in good condition. The dentist will check for decay and fit before deciding whether to recement it or recommend a new crown.
Can I glue my crown back on at home?
Never use household glue. Pharmacy temporary cement can provide short-term coverage if used as directed, but you should still see the dentist to have the tooth checked and properly restored.
Why did my filling fall out?
Common causes include decay under the filling, wear, biting hard or sticky foods and cracks in the tooth. The dentist will look for the cause to help prevent it from happening again.
What if the tooth hurts after losing a filling?
Sensitivity can occur because the inner tooth is exposed. Avoid hot, cold and sweet foods, use pain relief as directed and contact the office. Increasing pain may suggest nerve involvement.
Restorations that may be involved
Dental Emergencies →Dental Crowns →
Learn when a crown is advised for a weak or damaged tooth, what preparation involves and how La Salette patients can care for a crown placed in Port Dover.
Composite Fillings →
Tooth-coloured composite fillings repair many cavities. La Salette patients can learn when composite is chosen, what the visit involves and how to care for it.