Lost Fillings or Dental Crowns: What to Do and Expect

dentist teeth model

There are many reasons people lose their crowns or fillings. In some cases, it is due to constant clenching or grinding. Cavities can also damage the structure of the tooth and cause crowns to loosen, and eating sticky foods can lead to lost fillings. Other forms of trauma can also be reasons behind these incidents. Most of the time, these cases are unexpected and cause panic. However, you can ensure your situation does not turn worse if you know the steps to take when these happen to you. 

What You Should Do

If a crown falls off your tooth and you manage to recover it, rinse it off and keep it safe. As long as it is in good shape and condition, reattaching it to your tooth is possible. In case a filling falls out, wash out your mouth immediately. Ensure that you do not bite into any dental materials left inside, as these can damage your teeth. 

Here's what you should do next:

• Inform your dentist and ask for their recommendations. Follow all the instructions your dentist will tell you. Expect to book a repair appointment as soon as possible. Waiting too long can cause tooth decay or further dental problems. 
• Fill the exposed area with dental wax to prevent any material, such as food, from going inside the exposed nerve and causing pain. 
• In case of any pain or discomfort, take over-the-counter pain killers to reduce the soreness. 
• Limit your use of the affected area in the meantime. Wait until the repair is complete before you use the affected side of the mouth for chewing. 

When you experience any of the two, there is no need to panic. The most important thing is to take care of your oral health and see your dentist as soon as possible. 

The Restoration Appointment: What You Should Expect

Losing a crown or filling is considered an emergency, so your dental clinic will prioritize your case. Here is what you should expect during your appointment. 

• Upon your arrival, your dentist or an assistant will assess your situation. They will ask questions about what happened and whether you have any history with restoration. 
• They will start to examine your teeth and even ask you to undergo an x-ray to know the best course of action. 
• If restoring your old crown is possible, the dentist will discuss your options with you. They will also show you the filling materials options for replacing the lost filling. 
• In the worst-case scenario, you might need to rebuild your affected tooth's integrity before the restoration occurs. Your dentist will recommend getting a root canal or a new crown for better support if this is the case. A root canal is usually for those who lose their filling, as their situation may often uncover worse cavities or damage the exposed nerves. In some severe cases, your dentist will also recommend removing the affected tooth and then replacing it instead. 

Conclusion
Losing your crown or tooth filling is a common incident that happens to many people. Do not stress yourself during these situations. Instead, call your dentist and ask for the best treatment plan for your case. Allow them to help you so that you can avoid experiencing any pain, and they can fix your condition as soon as possible. Regularly visiting your dentist for checkups and oral care is also crucial in ensuring these scenarios do not happen.
Remember that losing a crown or filling is an emergency that needs to be addressed immediately. If you need an emergency dentist in Edmonton, the 24/7 Emergency Dental Care Clinic is here to assist you and help you find a local clinic to address your situation immediately. Contact us today so we can serve you.