Losing a dental filling or crown can be a sudden and alarming experience. Whether it happens while eating, chewing gum, or due to natural wear and tear, a lost filling or crown exposes the underlying tooth to sensitivity, discomfort, and even further damage. While itÂ’s essential to seek professional dental care promptly, knowing how to manage the situation with temporary fixes can help you protect your tooth, reduce pain, and avoid complications until you visit McLevin Dental for a permanent solution.
Why Do Fillings and Crowns Come Loose or Fall Out?
Fillings and crowns are designed to restore and protect damaged teeth, but they are not permanent fixtures. Several factors can cause them to come loose or fall out, including:
Tooth decay beneath the restoration weakening the bond
Chewing hard or sticky foods that dislodge dental work
Natural wear and tear over time causing cement breakdown
Trauma or impact to the face or mouth
Poor oral hygiene leading to deterioration around restorations
Understanding these causes can help you avoid behaviors that increase the risk of losing fillings or crowns.
Immediate Actions to Take When You Lose a Filling or Crown
The moment you notice a lost filling or crown, take the following steps to minimize discomfort and protect your tooth:
1. Retrieve and Save the Filling or Crown
If possible, find the filling or crown and keep it safe. This can help your dentist assess the restoration and determine if it can be reused.
2. Rinse Your Mouth and the Restoration
Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any debris. Clean the inside of the crown or the filling with warm water as well, but avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing it.
3. Avoid Eating on the Affected Side
Until you get professional treatment, avoid chewing with the tooth that lost the restoration. Eating on the other side reduces the risk of further damage or pain.
4. Manage Sensitivity and Pain
If the exposed tooth feels sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure, you can take over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Applying a cold compress externally can also help reduce discomfort.
Temporary Fixes for a Lost Filling or Crown
While these temporary fixes are not substitutes for professional dental care, they can help protect the tooth and reduce symptoms until you see your dentist.
Temporary Dental Cement
Pharmacies sell temporary dental cement kits designed to help secure loose fillings or crowns. Follow the instructions carefully:
Dry the tooth area as much as possible using a clean cotton swab.
Place a small amount of the temporary cement inside the crown or over the cavity.
Gently position the crown or filling back on the tooth.
Bite down lightly to set it in place.
Avoid chewing sticky or hard foods.
Temporary cement helps seal the tooth, prevents food and bacteria from entering, and stabilizes the restoration until a permanent fix is done.
Dental Wax or Sugarless Gum
If temporary dental cement is unavailable, dental wax (commonly used with orthodontic braces) can fill the cavity or coat the exposed tooth surface to protect it. Alternatively, sugarless chewing gum can be softened and pressed into the tooth cavity as a very short-term measure. Use caution with these methods and replace them regularly.
Keep the Area Clean
Maintain excellent oral hygiene by gently brushing and flossing around the affected tooth. Be careful not to dislodge any temporary fix. Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash if available to reduce bacterial buildup.
When to Contact McLevin Dental
Any lost filling or crown requires timely evaluation and repair. Contact McLevin Dental immediately if you experience:
Severe or persistent pain
Swelling or signs of infection
A restoration that cannot be temporarily replaced
Sensitivity that worsens or lasts more than a day
A crown or filling that falls out repeatedly
Our dental experts will assess the tooth condition and recommend the best treatment, which may include:
Re-cementing or replacing the crown
Repairing or replacing the filling
Treating underlying decay or damage
Offering pain management and preventive care
How to Prevent Losing Fillings and Crowns
Prevention is key to prolonging the life of your dental restorations. Here are practical tips:
Avoid chewing hard, sticky, or overly crunchy foods that stress fillings and crowns.
Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine—brushing twice daily and flossing to prevent decay around restorations.
Visit McLevin Dental regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings.
Use a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night or participate in contact sports.
Address any signs of discomfort or looseness promptly with your dentist.
Final Thoughts
Losing a filling or crown can be uncomfortable and concerning, but with the right temporary fixes and prompt dental care, you can protect your oral health and prevent further complications. Keep a dental first aid kit with temporary cement and dental wax handy, and prioritize scheduling a dental appointment with McLevin Dental as soon as possible.