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Port Dover Family Dentistry
A filling or crown that falls out leaves the tooth exposed. St. Williams patients can call our Port Dover office for advice on protecting the tooth and arranging repair.
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Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Caring for St. Williams patients at our office in Port Dover
Every dental service for St. WilliamsSomething came loose
Fillings and crowns can come loose because of new decay underneath, a weakened tooth, wear over time or biting on something hard or sticky. When this happens, the exposed tooth may feel sharp, sensitive or rough. Even if it does not hurt, the tooth is more vulnerable to damage and decay until a proper repair is placed.
If a filling or crown has come out, St. Williams residents can call our Port Dover office to describe what happened. The team will discuss how soon you should be seen and offer advice on keeping the tooth comfortable and protected in the meantime.

Right away
If a crown comes off, keep it in a small container and bring it to the appointment. It may be possible to recement it if the tooth and crown are in good condition. Do not try to glue it in place with household adhesive, which can damage the tooth and crown.
Avoid chewing on that side and steer clear of very hot, cold, sweet or sticky foods. Brush gently around the area to keep it clean. Temporary dental cement or wax from a pharmacy may cover sharp edges or ease sensitivity, but it is only a short-term measure.
Urgency
Pain, swelling, sensitivity that does not settle or a tooth that has broken along with the restoration should be reported quickly. A front tooth crown that has come off may also be a priority for comfort and appearance. The team will discuss these details to arrange appropriate timing.
A small filling lost from a back tooth without pain may be less urgent, but should still be repaired soon. Leaving it too long can allow decay or further breakage. The team can advise you on how long it is reasonable to wait based on your description.
Repair options
If the crown is undamaged and the tooth underneath is healthy, it may be recemented. A lost filling is usually replaced with a new filling. Sometimes a larger restoration, such as an onlay or new crown, is needed if the tooth has weakened or the old restoration was large.
Decay under the old restoration, a cracked tooth or a nerve problem may need treatment before a new restoration can be placed. X-rays help identify these issues. The dentist will explain what was found, the options available and whether a temporary restoration is needed first.
Prevention
Avoid chewing ice, hard candy and very sticky foods like toffee. Do not use your teeth to open packages. If you grind, a night guard may help protect restorations. Brush and clean between teeth daily, especially around the edges of fillings and crowns where decay can start.
Regular checkups allow the dentist to spot worn or leaking restorations before they fall out. Replacing a failing restoration on a planned basis is usually easier than dealing with a sudden loss. Mention any rough edges or food trapping around existing dental work.
Planning your appointment
Call our Port Dover office and describe what came out, whether you have pain and if you kept the crown or fragment. The team will advise on timing.
Bring the crown or any pieces in a small container, and avoid chewing on that side until the tooth has been checked.
Before you book
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Do not use household glue. It can damage the tooth and crown. Pharmacy temporary cement may hold it briefly, but you should still see the dentist to have it assessed and properly recemented.
It depends on symptoms. Pain, swelling or a broken tooth may need prompt attention. A lost filling without pain should still be repaired soon to prevent further damage.
Common causes include decay underneath, cement breakdown, a weakened tooth or biting something sticky or hard. The dentist will examine the tooth to find the cause.
If the crown and tooth are in good condition, it can often be recemented. If the tooth has decayed or broken, or the crown is damaged, a new crown may be needed.
Exposed dentin can be sensitive to temperature. Avoid triggers, use toothpaste for sensitive teeth and call the office. Increasing pain may signal a nerve problem needing assessment.
A crown covers a weakened, cracked or root-canal-treated tooth to restore its shape. St. Williams patients can learn how crowns are planned and fitted in Port Dover.
Composite fillings repair cavities with resin shaded to match your tooth. Learn what St. Williams patients can expect from a filling visit at our Port Dover office.
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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.
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