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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Lost Filling or Crown Repair in Nanticoke
A crown or filling that falls out leaves a tooth exposed. Nanticoke patients can learn how to protect it at home and arrange repair at our Port Dover office.
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Caring for Nanticoke patients at our Port Dover office
Browse every service for Nanticoke patientsProtect the exposed tooth
A lost restoration is usually fixable, but do not leave it too long.
Fillings and crowns can come loose because of decay underneath, wear, a sticky food or simply age. When one falls out, the tooth underneath may feel sharp, sensitive or just strange. Even if it does not hurt, the exposed tooth is more vulnerable to breaking or decay, so it should be checked and restored reasonably soon.
If you lose a filling or crown in Nanticoke, keep any pieces and call our Port Dover office. The team can tell you how to protect the tooth until your appointment, and the dentist will assess whether the restoration can be recemented or needs replacing.
Right away
Keep the crown and protect the tooth.
Save the crown or pieces
If a crown comes off, keep it in a clean container and bring it to the appointment. It may be possible to recement it. For a lost filling, there is usually nothing to save, but note whether any pieces of tooth came out too. Avoid chewing on the affected side and be careful with very hot, cold or sweet foods.
Protecting the tooth at home
Cover a sharp edge with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheek. Temporary filling material or dental cement from a pharmacy can provide short-term protection in some cases; follow the package instructions. Do not use household glue to reattach a crown. Call the office for advice before trying any temporary fix.
Urgency
Pain and swelling change the timeline.
When to be seen quickly
If the tooth is painful, very sensitive, broken or the gum is swollen, call promptly and describe your symptoms. Pain may indicate decay reaching the nerve or a fracture. Front teeth that have lost a crown may also be a priority for appearance. The team will advise on how soon you should be seen.
When a short wait is reasonable
If the tooth is comfortable and you can protect it, a short wait for an appointment may be reasonable. Still, do not leave it for weeks, as the tooth can shift, decay or break. Book the next available appointment and follow the team’s advice on protecting the tooth until then.
Repair options
The dentist checks why it came out.
Recementing or replacing
The dentist examines the tooth and restoration and may take X-rays. If the crown is intact and the tooth underneath is healthy, it may be cleaned and recemented. If the crown is damaged or no longer fits, a new one may be needed. A lost filling is typically replaced with a new filling, onlay or crown depending on the remaining tooth.
Treating underlying problems
Decay under the old restoration is a common reason it came loose. This needs to be removed before a new restoration is placed. If the tooth is cracked or decay is extensive, more involved treatment such as a root canal or crown may be recommended. The dentist will explain the findings and options.
Preventing repeats
Good care helps restorations stay put.
Caring for restorations
Brush twice daily and clean between teeth, paying attention to the edges of fillings and crowns where decay can start. Avoid very sticky candies, chewing ice and using teeth as tools. If you grind your teeth, ask about a night guard to reduce stress on restorations and the natural teeth around them.
Regular checkups
Regular checkups allow the dentist to spot wear, gaps or decay at the margins of restorations before they fail. Older fillings and crowns may need replacing over time. Mention any changes you notice, such as a rough edge, food trapping or sensitivity, so they can be addressed early rather than waiting for the restoration to fall out.
Planning your appointment
Arranging a repair from Nanticoke
Call our Port Dover office and describe what came out and whether the tooth hurts. The team will advise how soon you should be seen and how to protect the tooth in the meantime.
Bring the crown or any pieces in a clean container, and avoid chewing on that side until the tooth is checked.
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 my crown be put back on?
Often, if the crown is intact and the tooth underneath is healthy. The dentist will examine both and may recement it. If the crown is damaged or there is decay, a new crown may be needed instead.
Is it an emergency if a filling falls out?
It depends on symptoms. A painful, sensitive or broken tooth should be seen promptly. If the tooth is comfortable, book the next available appointment and protect the area. Swelling or infection signs need urgent attention.
Can I use a temporary filling kit?
Pharmacy temporary filling materials can offer short-term protection in some cases. Follow the instructions carefully and see the dentist soon. These are not a substitute for a proper restoration and may not hold for long.
Why did my filling come out?
Common causes include decay under the filling, wear over time, biting on something hard or sticky, or a crack in the tooth. The dentist will look for the cause so the new restoration has the best chance of lasting.
Should I glue my crown back on myself?
No. Household glues can damage the tooth and gum, and may make it harder to recement the crown properly. Ask the office whether a pharmacy dental adhesive is appropriate as a temporary measure.
Restorations that may replace a lost one
Dental Emergencies →Dental Crowns →
A crown covers a weakened tooth to protect and restore it. Nanticoke patients can learn when crowns are suggested and how they are made in Port Dover.
Composite Fillings →
Composite fillings repair decay with a tooth-coloured material bonded to the tooth. See how Nanticoke patients are assessed and treated in Port Dover.