Fillings and crowns are dental restorations that protect damaged teeth. It can be a painful situation if they become loose or come off. Your tooth can become sensitive or infected, so it’s vital that you take the necessary steps to address this issue. This article covers everything you need to know about this dental emergency, the loose fillings, so you can maintain your oral health in the best shape.
What Are Dental Fillings and Why Are They Necessary?
In case of cavities and tooth decay, dental fillings are used to restore the tooth. The damaged part of a decayed tooth is first removed. Then the space is filled with a material like composite resin, silver amalgam, or porcelain. This helps strengthen the tooth, preventing further decay. Fillings protect your tooth by keeping bacteria out of vulnerable spots. Tooth nerves won’t be exposed, so you won’t feel pain or discomfort.
If a tooth gets too damaged, a crown is used to restore it. These caps cover the entire tooth and they protect teeth that are weakened by significant decay, large fillings, or fractures. They are especially useful for molars or other heavily used teeth. as they distribute biting force and protect teeth from further wear or breakage.
What Happens When Fillings or Crowns Become Loose or Lost?
Losing a filling or crown isn’t about losing a random and unimportant piece. It means that the sensitive areas of your teeth will be exposed to bacteria and damage. It also compromises the aesthetic aspects of your smile.
Signs Your Filling or Crown is Loose
If you experience any of the following, it can suggest that your dental restoration has become loose:
- Your tooth is more sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- You feel pain in your tooth.
- You feel a sharp edge where the material has shifted.
- You have a sensation of movement in your mouth when chewing.
Common Reasons Fillings and Crowns Fall Out
There are several reasons for dental restorations becoming loose or falling out. Some of them are unavoidable and some of them can be taken care of by paying closer attention to your habits.
- Eating hard or sticky foods
- Grinding teeth
- Using your teeth as tools to open or break things
- Natural wear and tear or decay around the edges of fillings and crowns
By taking good care of your oral hygiene and not exposing your dental restorations to pressure, you can minimize the risk of them becoming loose or falling out.
Risks of Ignoring a Lost or Loose Filling/Crown
If it happens to you, you shouldn’t ignore it. You may already have an idea why this is the case. As we discussed earlier, losing a dental restoration exposes your teeth to various threats. If you ignore a lost filling or crown, you will increase the risk of tooth decay and infection significantly. The infection won’t stop at that tooth, and it will spread to other parts of your mouth (gums and other teeth) and body. Apart from the health risks, this situation can be extremely painful, keeping you from eating and drinking comfortably. If you leave it untreated, you may need a root canal or tooth extraction.
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Quick Steps to Take for a Lost or Loose Filling or Crown
There are two main things you can do to protect your tooth in case of a lost crown or filling, while waiting for your emergency dentist visit. First, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Second, use over-the-counter dental cement or temporary filling material to cover the exposed area. You can find these items at pharmacies.
By doing these, you prevent further damage to your tooth and protect it from bacteria. These also help you feel less sensitivity in your tooth. This can be a painful situation, so here’s how you can relieve your toothache:
- Put some clove oil on the area
- Use over-the-counter painkillers
These instructions help you feel more comfortable until you can see the dentist.
What Not to Do After Losing a Filling or Crown
Avoid these if you lose a dental restoration: Don’t chew hard or sticky foods and don’t try to reattach the filling or crown yourself with glue or other adhesives that are not meant for dental use. You can damage your tooth harder by putting extra pressure on it and exposing it to materials that can be toxic to the tissues in your mouth.
When Should You Seek Emergency Dental Care?
Some cases need immediate emergency care for lost or loose fillings and crowns. Some others can wait until regular office hours. It’s important that you recognize the signs of a dental emergency if it happens and act fast. These are some scenarios that indicate you’re dealing with an emergency:
- You feel too much pain or sensitivity in your tooth
- There are signs of infection such as swelling or pus
- If the tooth with lost filling or crown was already decayed or cracked
These signs suggest that there’s a serious underlying issue that will worsen and lead to complications. Don’t ignore these signs, since you’ll need to undergo more complicated and expensive treatments to address the issues that are a result of ignoring the situation.
Professional Dental Solutions for Lost or Loose Fillings and Crowns
After receiving emergency care for lost fillings and crowns, there are several treatment options that you can choose to restore your tooth. Generally, if you act faster, chances are you can restore your tooth with simpler treatments.
Repair Options for Fillings
The course of action depends on the condition of your tooth. If it’s possible, your dentist will place a new filling instead of the lost one. It’s possible that the tooth has decayed around the area. In such cases, the decayed portions need to be removed first. Then, the new filling is placed.
What to Expect When Replacing or Fixing Crowns
Treatment options include reattaching the crown and making an entirely new crown. If the tooth is in a shape that can support the old crown, there’s no need for a new one. But if there’s additional decay or damage, you’ll need a new crown. Tooth decay and other damages are treated first and then the new crown is placed. You might receive a temporary crown until you can receive the permanent one.
If loosening or losing the filling or crown has caused damage to the tooth structure or if a filling or crown leaves a gap or rough area, dental bonding can also be a cost-effective option to restore the tooth.
Preventing Fillings and Crowns from Becoming Loose or Lost
It’s natural that your teeth are subject to wear and tear over time. But there are a number of tips we can give you on preventing fillings or crowns from becoming loose or lost.
Proper Dental Hygiene Practices
Good oral hygiene not only keeps your natural teeth healthy but is also good for your fillings and crowns!
- Brush twice a day to remove plaque
- Floss daily to reach between teeth
- Use mouthwash to kill bacteria
- Don’t skip regular dental check-ups
Lifestyle Changes to Protect Your Dental Work
When you have a dental restoration, it’s worth it that you stay mindful of some habits. Including:
- Chewing on hard items like ice
- Eating sticky or sugary foods
- Teeth grinding or bruxism
These habits can damage fillings and crowns and encourage decay around them. Be careful with your diet and if you grind your teeth, consider wearing a mouthguard at night.
Bottom Line
Lost or loose fillings and crowns can happen to anyone. However, you can minimize the risk. Avoiding habits that can lead to this situation and being familiar with the signs of emergencies help you protect your teeth in the best way possible.
If your filling or crown has become loose or it’s lost, don’t worry! Our experienced team is here to help. With our quick and efficient treatments, you can regain your oral health in the shortest time. From dental bonding to wisdom tooth extraction, 6006 Yonge Dental offers all you need for a healthy and beautiful smile. Contact us now and let us know how we can help!
Emergency Care for Fillings: FAQs
1. Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency?
A lost filling or crown may be an emergency, especially if it’s causing pain, sensitivity, or exposing a risk for infection. Immediate dental attention can prevent worsening issues.
2. Can I eat after losing a filling or crown?
It’s best to avoid eating directly on the affected tooth, especially hard, sticky, or hot foods. These can further damage the area and increase sensitivity or discomfort.
3. How long can I wait to replace a lost filling or crown?
It’s recommended to see a dentist within a few days. Waiting too long can expose the tooth to bacteria, increase sensitivity, and potentially cause further decay or structural damage.
4. Is it normal to feel pain after losing a filling or crown?
Yes, pain or sensitivity is common after losing a filling or crown. The exposed tooth surface can be sensitive to temperature, air, or touch, especially if there’s nerve exposure.
5. Can a dentist reattach a loose crown?
Yes, if the crown is intact and the underlying tooth is healthy, your dentist will clean and reattach the crown, restoring its fit and function without needing a replacement.
