Lost Fillings
and Crowns
Tooth fillings and dental crowns may fall out due to tooth decay, poor oral health habits, accidents, or natural wear and tear due to regular use over time.
Lost Fillings
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What are
Lost Fillings and Crowns?
When you have a lost filling or crown, you may experience symptoms such as tooth pain, a hole in your tooth, tooth sensitivity, or lumpy material in your mouth (which would be the filling or crown). If you are experiencing any of these problems, you must schedule an emergency appointment with an experienced emergency dentist right away. A lost filling or crown can lead to a more serious dental issue if left unattended.
We can address these dental issues at Ellen Stirling Dental. We can repair or replace missing fillings and crowns. You can still call us at (08) 6192 1036 if your tooth filling or dental crown has fallen out after hours, and we will take care of you as soon as possible.
Why Treat
Lost Fillings and Crowns Immediately?
If a tooth filling or dental crown is not replaced within a few days, the unprotected tooth may suffer harm. Bacteria and food particles might adhere to the open gap and cause deterioration. Dentin, the second layer of the tooth behind the hard outer enamel, can also be exposed if a filling or crown is missing. Dentin is more susceptible to degradation than enamel because it is softer. Dentin that has been exposed might be extremely sensitive. A root canal treatment or tooth extraction may be necessary if the tooth becomes more decayed or damaged. That is why it is best to have the filling or crown repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Why Choose
Ellen Stirling Dental
to Fix Your Lost Fillings and Crowns in Ellenbrook
We can help at Ellen Stirling Dental! We are committed to providing the highest standard of dental care in a comfortable and relaxing environment. Our team of dedicated oral health professionals will work together to ensure your tooth restoration experience at our dental practice is positive, efficient, and effective.
You can expect exceptional service from us because we know how important it is for you to feel confident about your smile again as soon as possible. We’ll do everything possible to make sure you get back on track quickly so you can enjoy all your favourite delicious foods again without worrying about dental pain or discomfort! And if needed, we also offer emergency appointments after hours, so please don’t hesitate to call us even if it’s outside of business hours. That way, we can help fix any problems before they become worse!
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FAQs About Lost Fillings and Crowns
What are the factors that cause lost fillings and crowns?
The factors that cause lost fillings and crowns are:
- secondary tooth decay under the crown or around the filling
- bruxism (teeth grinding)
- improper dental restoration placement
- insufficient dental cement
- brittle filling material
- biting or chewing on tough food or material
- sticky food that pulls a filling or crown out of place
- a severely weakened tooth
How long do dental inlays and onlays last?
An inlay or onlay is an indirect dental restoration made in a dental laboratory rather than inside your mouth. They are typically used when the cavity size is too large for a simple filling. Generally speaking, inlays and onlays can last for 20 to 30 years with proper care.
How long does it take to replace lost fillings and crowns?
Tooth fillings are an outpatient procedure that can be completed in less than 20 minutes. On the other hand, a dental crown can take several dentist visits to complete, and you may need to return for frequent dental checkups afterwards.
How can I tell if a tooth filling needs to be fixed?
Pain and discomfort caused by a tooth filling on the chewing tooth surface may indicate deterioration of the bonding agent. In addition, a filling may have an edge or a distinct difference in texture.
What are the consequences of not replacing lost fillings and crowns?
The unprotected tooth may suffer damage if a filling or crown is not replaced. Food debris and bacteria can stick to the open gap and cause deterioration. A missing filling or crown can also expose the second layer of a tooth, the dentin, behind the hard outer enamel. Dentin is more prone to degradation than enamel as it is softer. The dentin that has been exposed might be extremely sensitive. A more invasive procedure, like a tooth extraction or a root canal procedure, might be required if the tooth becomes more decayed or damaged.
How to prevent losing your fillings and crowns?
Taking proper care of your filling or crown can help reduce the chances that it will come loose. We recommend the following to prevent lost fillings or crowns:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. An interdental brush (a wider toothbrush that fits between the teeth like floss) should be used to clean the region between the gum line and the tooth and crown.
- Floss daily.
- Replace your toothbrush regularly, preferably every 3 to 4 months.
- Don’t bite into or chew on ice.
- Avoid or be extra cautious with sticky or chewy foods.
- If you have bruxism (teeth grinding), we recommend wearing an occlusal splint (a mouth guard designed for bruxism) to protect your fillings, crowns, and teeth.
Additionally, we recommend visiting your dentist at least once every six months to catch any potential problems early with a filling or crown before they become loose or cause other problems. If your filling or crown is worn and needs to be replaced, your dentist can detect this before it falls out.