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Port Dover Family Dentistry
A filling or crown that falls out leaves the tooth exposed. Pine Grove patients can learn how to protect it, what to bring and how repair is usually approached.
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Caring for Pine Grove patients at our Port Dover office
Browse every dental service for Pine GroveProtect the exposed tooth
Fillings and crowns can come loose because of new decay underneath, wear over time, a sticky food or a heavy bite. Once they are gone, the tooth underneath may be sensitive, sharp or more prone to breaking. Even when there is no pain, the exposed tooth needs protection, and finding the reason it came loose helps prevent a repeat.
If you are in Pine Grove and a filling or crown has come out, call our Port Dover office to describe what happened. The team will advise how soon you should be seen and how to protect the tooth meanwhile.

Right away
If a crown comes off, keep it in a clean container and bring it with you, as it may sometimes be recemented. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water. Check whether any piece of tooth came out with the filling or crown. Avoid swallowing loose fragments; if one is swallowed, it usually passes but mention it.
Cover a sharp edge with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheek. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can be used briefly to protect the tooth or hold a crown, but follow package directions carefully. Avoid household glues. Chew on the other side and avoid very hot, cold or sweet foods.
Assess urgency
Severe pain, swelling near the tooth, a bad taste or a visibly broken tooth suggest that decay, infection or a fracture may be involved. Mention these when you call so the team can assess urgency. Sensitivity to temperature is common but should not be ignored if it becomes intense or lingers.
A small filling lost with no pain is less urgent but still deserves an appointment soon. Exposed tooth surfaces can decay more quickly and may chip or crack under chewing pressure. A front crown that has come off may also be a concern for appearance, which can be discussed when booking.
Repair options
The dentist examines the tooth for new decay or cracks and may take an X-ray. A new filling may be placed if enough healthy tooth remains. If the cavity is large or the tooth is weakened, an onlay or crown might be recommended. The dentist will explain the reasoning behind the recommendation.
A crown in good condition may be cleaned and recemented if the tooth underneath is healthy. If there is decay, the crown is damaged or it no longer fits, a new crown may be needed. A temporary crown can protect the tooth while a new one is made, which may take a couple of visits.
Prevention
Be cautious with very sticky foods like toffee and chewy candy, and avoid biting ice, pens or hard objects. If you grind your teeth, ask about a night guard. Brush twice daily and clean between teeth every day to prevent decay at the edges of fillings and crowns, which is a common reason they come loose.
Regular checkups allow the dentist to spot worn, leaking or loose restorations before they fail. Small repairs are usually simpler than dealing with a tooth that has broken after losing its filling. Mention any rough edges, sensitivity or food trapping between visits so they can be checked early.
Planning your appointment
Call our Port Dover office at 519-583-2929 to describe the lost filling or crown and any symptoms. The team will advise on timing and arrange an appointment.
Bring the crown or any pieces in a clean container. Mention if you used temporary cement and list your medications and allergies.
Before you book
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Do not use household glue. Pharmacy temporary cement may hold a crown briefly, but it should be checked by a dentist soon, since the tooth underneath may need attention before the crown is recemented properly.
It depends. Severe pain, swelling or a broken tooth deserves prompt attention. A painless lost filling is less urgent but should still be seen soon to prevent further damage or decay.
Common reasons include new decay around the edges, wear over time, a heavy bite, grinding or biting something hard or sticky. The dentist will examine the tooth to identify the cause and suggest how to prevent it happening again.
If the crown is undamaged and fits well, and the tooth underneath is healthy, it can often be recemented. If there is decay or damage, a new crown may be needed.
Choose soft foods and chew on the opposite side. Avoid very hot, cold, sweet or sticky foods, which can irritate the exposed tooth or dislodge temporary cement.
A crown covers a weakened tooth to restore strength and shape. Pine Grove patients can see when crowns are advised, which materials exist and how fitting works.
Composite fillings repair decay with tooth-coloured material. Pine Grove patients can read how the filling is placed, how long it lasts and how to care for it.
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New patients and CDCP patients are welcome. Tell us how we can help and our Port Dover dental team will follow up with you.
Evening appointments Monday and Tuesday