LOST FILLING OR CROWN

Fillings are materials used to fill cavities in the teeth. Crowns cover the tops of damaged teeth. Sometimes, fillings or crowns fall out. In some cases, a filling or crown may come loose because there is decay underneath it. The decay destroys part of the tooth, so it no longer has a tight hold on the crown or filling.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

A lost filling or crown is rarely an emergency. However, it can be painful because the exposed tooth tissue is often sensitive to temperature, pressure or air. If you lose a crown, put it in a safe place and make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as you can.

Don't wait too long. What is left of the tooth will not be as strong as your crown. It could be damaged more without the crown to protect it. Also, when a crown is missing for a long time, your teeth may move into the space where the crown was. If this happens, your crown may no longer fit.

Before you see the dentist, here's what you can do:

• Apply a little clove oil to the sensitive area with a cotton swab. This will give you pain relief. You can buy clove oil in drugstores or in the spice aisles of many supermarkets.
• A desensitizing toothpaste can be useful in reducing sensitivity, when applied as directed.
• Try to avoid eating or drinking in the affected area
• Preferably, see your dentist right away and leave the crown off until you’re seen. If this is not possible, you may be able to temporarily place the crown back over the tooth. First, clean and dry the inside of the crown and the tooth. Try it on the affected tooth and make sure you can place it correctly. Then remove it, clean and dry again and coat the inside of the crown with a temporary adhesive. You can buy a temporary cement at the pharmacy or use a denture adhesive to hold it if necessary. Place the crown on the tooth and bite down normally. This is a temporary solution, and it is imperative that you see your dentist. As much as possible avoid chewing on this tooth until you visit your dentist. Never use household glues, they may be toxic and can damage the tooth or crown. but they will help to hold the crown in place until you can see your dentist.
• If a filling has been lost, see your dentist as soon as possible. As a temporary solution, you can use a dental cement to fill in the gap where the filling was. Clean and dry the area and place the cement. Bite down to make sure there are no interferences with your bite. Try to avoid eating on the affected tooth until you see your dentist.

WHAT YOUR DENTIST WILL DO

Decay may have changed the shape of your tooth. Usually, this means that your dentist will need to prepare the tooth again to ensure the new crown will fit. If the crown does not fit securely, it will come off again.

If you lose a filling, your dentist will remove the decay that developed between the old filling and the tooth and place a new filling.

Updated- January 22, 2021