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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Lost Filling or Crown Repair in Windham Centre
A filling or crown that falls out leaves a tooth exposed. Windham Centre patients can learn how to protect the tooth and arrange a repair in Port Dover.
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Care for Windham Centre families at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for Windham CentreProtect the exposed tooth
A lost restoration should be replaced before the tooth is damaged further.
Fillings and crowns can come loose because of new decay underneath, wear over the years, a sticky food or a hard bite. Without its covering, the tooth may feel sensitive or sharp and become more vulnerable to breaking. Even when it does not hurt, an exposed tooth can collect bacteria and deteriorate, so arranging a prompt repair is usually the wiser choice.
If a filling or crown has come out in Windham Centre, call our Port Dover office to describe what happened. The team can advise you on how to protect the tooth until your appointment and how soon you should be seen, based on any pain or swelling you are noticing.
Right away
Simple steps can protect the tooth until your visit.
Save the crown or pieces
If a crown has come off, keep it in a clean container and bring it with you. The dentist may be able to recement it if it is undamaged and the tooth underneath is still healthy. Filling material usually cannot be reused, but it can still be worth keeping so the dentist can see exactly what came out and how it broke.
Protect the tooth
Rinse gently with warm water and keep the area clean. Avoid chewing on that side. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can cover the exposed area or hold a crown in place for a short time, but follow the package instructions carefully. Never use household glue. A little dental wax can cover any sharp edges that catch your tongue.
Assessment
The dentist looks for the cause before repairing.
Why it came loose
Restorations often fail because of decay at the edges, a crack in the tooth or simple wear over time. The dentist examines the tooth closely and may take X-rays to see what lies beneath. Understanding why the filling or crown came out helps prevent the same problem happening again once it has been repaired or replaced with something new.
Checking the tooth underneath
If the tooth is healthy and the crown still fits well, recementing it may be possible. If decay or a fracture is found, the tooth needs treatment before a new restoration can be placed. In some cases root canal treatment may be needed if the nerve has been affected. The dentist will explain your options and the reasons behind each one.
Repair options
The repair depends on what the dentist finds.
Replacing a filling
A lost filling is usually replaced with a new one once any decay has been removed. If a large portion of the tooth is now missing, an inlay, onlay or crown may be recommended to protect it better against chewing forces. The dentist will discuss the most suitable choice based on the size of the area, the tooth’s position and your bite.
Recementing or replacing a crown
A crown in good condition can sometimes be cleaned and recemented in a single visit. If the crown is damaged or no longer fits, or the tooth beneath has changed shape, a new crown may be needed. In that case, a temporary crown can protect the tooth while the permanent one is being made, so you are not left with an exposed tooth.
Preventing repeats
A few habits can help restorations last.
Caring for the repaired tooth
After the repair, follow the dentist’s instructions about eating. Some sensitivity may occur for a short time. Contact the office if your bite feels high or the tooth stays sensitive beyond a few days. Brush and floss carefully around the restoration to prevent new decay forming at its margins, which is a common reason restorations fail.
Reducing future failures
Avoid chewing ice, hard candy and very sticky foods such as toffee. If you grind your teeth, ask about a night guard. Regular checkups allow the dentist to spot worn or leaking restorations before they come out unexpectedly. Replacing ageing restorations on a planned basis is often easier and less stressful than dealing with emergency repairs.
Planning your appointment
Bring the crown with you.
Call our Port Dover office to report a lost filling or crown. Windham Centre patients can describe any pain or sensitivity they are having so the team can judge urgency and offer an appropriate appointment.
Keep the crown in a clean container and bring it along, and avoid chewing on the affected side until you have been seen.
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 an emergency unless there is significant pain or swelling, but it should be repaired soon. An exposed tooth can decay or break more easily, and a small repair now can prevent a bigger problem later.
Can I glue my crown back on?
Do not use household glue, which can damage the tooth and the crown. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can hold a crown briefly. See the dentist soon for proper recementing or a replacement if needed.
Why did my filling fall out?
Common causes include decay forming under the filling, wear over time and biting on hard or sticky foods. The dentist will examine the tooth to determine the cause, so the new restoration is less likely to fail the same way.
Can my old crown be reused?
Sometimes, if it is undamaged and still fits well. If the tooth beneath has decay or the crown itself is damaged, a new crown may be needed. The dentist will check both before recommending which option to choose.
What if the tooth hurts after losing a filling?
Sensitivity is common. Avoid hot, cold and sweet foods, and use pain relief that is safe for you. Call the office if pain is severe or lingers, or if swelling develops, so the tooth can be checked sooner.
Restorations that may follow
Dental Emergencies →Dental Crowns →
A crown covers and strengthens a weak or heavily filled tooth. Windham Centre patients can learn when crowns are advised and how it works in Port Dover.
Composite Fillings →
Tooth-coloured composite fillings can repair cavities and minor damage. See how Windham Centre patients are assessed and treated for fillings in Port Dover.