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 Silver Hill
A filling or crown that falls out leaves the tooth exposed. Silver Hill patients can learn how to protect it, what to bring and how repair is decided.
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.
Silver Hill patients are cared for at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for Silver HillProtect the tooth until it is fixed
An exposed tooth is more vulnerable, even if it does not hurt yet.
Fillings and crowns can come loose because of new decay underneath, a weakened tooth, sticky food, grinding or simply age. When one falls out, the inner layers of the tooth may be exposed to temperature, bacteria and biting forces. Some people feel sharp sensitivity right away, while others notice only a rough edge or a gap their tongue keeps finding.
If this happens in Silver Hill, keep the crown or any pieces you find and call our Port Dover office. The team will ask about pain and the tooth’s history, then suggest how soon to come in. A prompt repair can often prevent the tooth from cracking or developing deeper decay in the meantime.
Right away
A few simple actions protect the tooth until your visit.
Save what came out
If a crown has come off, rinse it gently, check that nothing is stuck inside and keep it in a small, clean container or bag. Pieces of a broken filling are not reusable but can show the dentist what happened. Look at the tooth in a mirror and note whether any part of it appears broken or dark.
Keep the area clean and comfortable
Rinse with lukewarm water after eating to remove food from the exposed area. Brush gently around the tooth. Avoid very hot, cold or sugary foods if the tooth is sensitive, and chew on the other side. Over-the-counter pain relief may help if it is safe for you, taken according to the package directions.
Temporary measures
Short-term fixes can help, but they are not a substitute for repair.
Pharmacy repair materials
Temporary filling material or dental cement sold at many pharmacies can cover an exposed area or hold a crown loosely in place for a short time. Follow the instructions carefully, and make sure a crown is seated fully before biting. If it will not sit properly, do not force it; keep it safe and wait for your appointment instead.
What not to use
Never use household glue, superglue or other adhesives not intended for the mouth, as they can irritate tissues and damage the crown or tooth. Avoid sticky foods like caramel or gum that could pull out a temporary repair. Do not leave a loose crown in place overnight if there is any risk of swallowing or inhaling it.
The repair visit
The dentist looks at why the restoration failed before replacing it.
Checking the tooth underneath
The tooth is examined, and X-rays may be taken to look for decay, cracks or problems with the nerve. Understanding why a filling or crown came loose helps prevent it from happening again. If the tooth is sensitive, freezing can be used during the repair. The dentist will explain what they find before deciding on a plan.
Deciding how to restore it
A crown in good condition can sometimes be cleaned and recemented. If there is new decay or the tooth has broken, a new filling, a build-up or a new crown may be recommended. In some cases, root canal treatment or an onlay is discussed. You will hear the reasons and options before any work proceeds.
Keeping it secure
Good habits reduce the chance of losing a restoration again.
Habits that protect restorations
Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels and very sticky foods, especially on teeth with large fillings or crowns. If you grind or clench, mention it to the dentist, since a night guard may protect your restorations. Brush twice daily and clean between teeth to prevent decay from forming around the edges of dental work.
Regular checks catch weak spots
Regular checkups allow the dentist to spot worn, leaking or cracked restorations before they fail. X-rays can reveal decay hiding under old fillings. If a restoration feels rough, high or loose, or food starts catching around it, call the office rather than waiting for it to come out completely.
Planning your appointment
Getting it fixed in Port Dover
Call our Port Dover office and explain which tooth lost its filling or crown, whether it hurts and how long ago it happened. The team will advise how soon to come in from Silver Hill.
Bring the crown in a small container, even if you think it is damaged. Mention any recent pain, swelling or changes in your bite when you arrive.
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?
It is usually not life-threatening, but it should be repaired promptly. An exposed tooth is more likely to break or decay. If there is severe pain, swelling or a broken tooth, let the office know so they can arrange to see you sooner.
Can my old crown be put back on?
Often, if the crown is intact and the tooth beneath is healthy. The dentist will check the fit and look for decay or damage. If the tooth or crown has changed, a new crown or other restoration may be recommended instead.
Can I use superglue to reattach my crown?
No. Household glues are not safe for use in the mouth and can damage both the tooth and the crown. They can also make proper recementing more difficult. Use a pharmacy dental cement only as a short-term measure if needed, and call the office.
Why did my filling fall out?
Common reasons include new decay around the filling, a crack in the tooth, wear over time, grinding or biting something hard. The dentist will look for the cause during the repair visit so the new restoration has a better chance of lasting.
What if I swallowed my crown?
Swallowed crowns usually pass without problems, but contact your physician for advice, especially if you have pain or difficulty breathing. If you think it may have been inhaled or you are coughing persistently, seek medical care promptly. Then call the dental office.
Restorations that may be involved
Dental Emergencies →Dental Crowns →
A crown caps a weakened tooth to protect it and restore its shape. Silver Hill patients can learn when crowns are advised and how to care for one.
Composite Fillings →
Composite fillings repair decay with a resin shaded to match your tooth. Silver Hill patients can learn when they suit a cavity and how to make them last.