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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Lost Filling or Crown Repair in Townsend
A filling or crown that falls out leaves the tooth exposed. Learn how to protect it, what to bring and how our Port Dover team decides on the right repair.
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Caring for Townsend patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for TownsendWhen dental work comes loose
An exposed tooth needs protection until it is repaired.
Fillings and crowns can come loose because of new decay underneath, wear, a cracked tooth or biting something sticky or hard. Losing one may cause sensitivity, sharp edges or food packing into the space. Even if it does not hurt, the exposed tooth is more vulnerable to further damage and decay until it is properly repaired.
If a filling or crown comes out while you are in Townsend, call our Port Dover office to describe what happened and how the tooth feels. The team will discuss how soon to come in and what you can do to protect the tooth in the meantime, so it is not damaged further.
Right away
A few simple actions can prevent further damage.
Save the crown or pieces
If a crown comes off, rinse it gently, put it in a clean, sealed container and bring it to your appointment, since it can sometimes be cemented back on if both the crown and the tooth beneath it are still in good shape. For a lost filling there is usually nothing worth keeping, but check whether a piece of tooth came away with it and save that if so.
Protect the exposed tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water and chew on the other side. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can cover a sensitive spot or hold a crown in place for a short time if you follow the package directions closely. Never use household glue. If the tooth is sensitive, avoid very hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks until it has been seen.
Describe the problem
Your details help the team decide how soon to see you.
Symptoms that affect urgency
Pain, swelling around the tooth, a bad taste, sensitivity that lingers or a sharp edge cutting into your tongue are all signs the tooth should be seen sooner rather than later. If nothing hurts, the visit may be less urgent but should still happen soon, since an exposed tooth can chip or decay quickly. Describe exactly what you notice so the team can advise you well.
Background that helps planning
Mention roughly how old the filling or crown was, whether the tooth has had a root canal and whether you noticed any sensitivity or a bad taste before it came loose. This background helps the dentist anticipate whether decay or a crack underneath may be involved, how long the appointment needs to be and which repair options are likely to be realistic.
Repair options
The repair depends on what caused the loss.
Recementing or replacing a crown
If the crown is undamaged and the tooth beneath it is sound and free of decay, the crown may simply be cleaned and recemented. If the crown has cracked, or the tooth underneath has decayed or broken, a new crown is usually needed, sometimes with a build-up or other treatment first to give it something solid to sit on. X-rays help the dentist judge which applies.
Replacing a lost filling
A lost filling is normally replaced once any decay has been removed from the cavity. If a large part of the tooth is now missing, or the tooth has a crack, the dentist may recommend an onlay or crown instead, since a bigger filling could leave the remaining walls weak. They will explain the options and why one is better suited to that tooth.
Preventing recurrence
A little care helps the repair last.
Caring for the repaired tooth
After the repair, follow any instructions about eating, especially if temporary materials were used while a new crown is made. Mild sensitivity for a few days is common and usually settles. Contact the office if the bite feels high when you close, if pain persists beyond a week or so, or if the new restoration feels loose or rough.
Habits that protect dental work
Go carefully with sticky candies, toffee, ice and very hard foods, which are common culprits for pulling out fillings and crowns. If you grind your teeth, ask about a night guard to reduce the stress on your dental work. Brush and clean between your teeth every day, because decay under existing work is one of the main reasons restorations fail.
Planning your appointment
Calling about lost dental work.
Phone our Port Dover office at 519-583-2929 and describe which tooth is affected, whether it hurts and whether you still have the crown. The team will advise you on timing and how to protect the tooth until then.
Bring the crown in a sealed container if you have it, and mention any recent treatment, sensitivity or other symptoms you noticed in that tooth.
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
Questions about lost fillings and crowns
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Is a lost filling an emergency?
It depends on your symptoms. Pain, swelling or a sharp edge warrants prompt contact with the office. Without pain, it is still important to have the tooth repaired soon to prevent further damage or decay from developing in the exposed area.
Can I glue my crown back on myself?
Do not use household glue, which can damage both the tooth and the crown. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy may hold it briefly if used carefully as directed. Have the crown properly assessed and recemented by the dentist as soon as possible.
Why did my crown fall off?
Crowns can loosen because of decay underneath, cement that has worn away, a broken tooth or biting something sticky. The dentist will examine the tooth and crown to find the cause before deciding whether recementing or replacement is appropriate.
Can my old crown be reused?
If the crown is undamaged and the tooth beneath it is healthy, it may well be recemented. If the tooth has decayed or broken, or the crown is cracked, a new crown may be recommended once the tooth has been properly assessed.
What should I eat until the tooth is repaired?
Stick to soft foods and chew on the other side of your mouth. Avoid very hot, cold, sweet or sticky foods if the tooth is sensitive. Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and warm water rinses until your appointment.
Restorations that may be involved
Dental Emergencies →Dental Crowns →
A crown covers and strengthens a damaged or heavily filled tooth. Townsend patients can learn when crowns are advised, how fitting works and how to care for them.
Composite Fillings →
Composite fillings repair cavities with tooth-coloured material. Townsend patients can learn how they are placed, when they suit and how to look after them.