Lost Filling Or Crown? Here’s How To Handle It

Before explaining what to do when you lose a filling or a crown we should know what they are and their function. The main purpose of fillings is to fill cavities created in the teeth, on the other hand, the purpose of crowns is to cover the tooth if it is damaged.  Sometimes they can fall out due to a decay that will be formed underneath it. Since the decay destroys the tooth, the crown or filling will no longer be able to hold on. Furthermore, we will explain what steps you should take after you lose a filling or a crown. 

What Are Dental Fillings?

When we have decayed broken or damaged teeth, the dentist might decide that dental fillings will be the right treatment. These fillings are artificial substances that fill the holes or gaps in the damaged enamel to give our tooth a normal look and fix the damage. 

Uses Of Dental Filling

Usually, dental fillings are used to restore the shape and stability of a damaged or broken tooth. This way you will prevent further damage, minimize discomfort, and make it easier to chew and eat. Dental fillings will be used in cases of:

• If your teeth have started to deteriorate, dental fillings will be used to seal up holes in the enamel that have not impacted the tooth’s inner pulp, which protects the blood vessels and nerves.
• Teeth that are cracked or damaged, sometimes with enamel chipping away and exposing the tooth to decay
• To repair teeth that are damaged or worn out

Procedure Of Dental Filing

The dentist uses a local anesthetic injection to numb the gums around the damaged tooth prior to doing a filling. The damaged tooth is examined once the area has been made numb. The extent of tooth decay or damage determines the type of filling that is needed. 

If there is dental decay, the tooth is cleansed, rinsed, and dried after the damaged regions are extracted. The tooth’s original form is then restored by inserting filling material in the damaged region. The next step is to ask the patient to bite down firmly to test how the filling fits. 

Risks And Complications Of Using A Dental Filling

• The few first days after the procedure of a dental filling you might feel pain or discomfort in the treated tooth, which may be felt more when you eat something cold or hot. 
• Even though it is rare some people may be allergic to the filling material that will be used and they may notice some rashes and experience itching. 
• When it is not done by professionals, the filling may damage the nerves that are located inside the tooth. 
• Another side effect, but not a common one is infection at the site where the injection of filling should be done. 

Types Of Dental Fillings

Fillings vary depending on the material and some of them include:

Tooth Or White-Colored Fillings Or Composite Resin 

Composite resin or colored fillings also called tooth-colored fillings are created by mixing glass and plastic resin. These are the most used type of fillings because they look just like your natural teeth. The material is very similar to the material they aim to replace. They will also reduce the risk of further tooth decay due to the release of small amounts of fluoride. 

Silver Fillings Or Silver Amalgam 

One of the most popular dental fillings are silver fillings. These fillings are more resilient than other kinds since they are composed of a silver alloy and mercury combination. Because silver amalgam is safe and long-lasting, both the Dental Federation and the World Health Organisation (WHO) support its usage to repair broken or chipped teeth.

Glass Ionomer Cement 

Glass ionomer cement is made up of a mixture of organic acid and glass. Their color is made to match the color of your teeth. This material is often used for small and temporary restorations. Also, it can be used to glue crowns. 

Gold 

Gold fillings are made up of a mixture of gold, copper, and other materials. They are more often used for dental crowns and partial dentures. Their side effects are that they may increase the sensitivity of the tooth and can be more expensive than other materials. However, they are still very durable. 

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are caps that are shaped like the tooth and their function is to restore the look of a broken, weak, or decayed tooth. Crowns may also be used to cover dental implants or root canal-treated teeth. These crowns can be made from a variety of different materials including metal, porcelain, and resin. If you take care of your dental crowns correctly by brushing, flossing, and having professional cleanings at the dental clinic they will last for a very long time.  

Uses Of Dental Crowns

Most likely dentists will recommend the use of crowns in the following situations:

• When a tooth is cracked or prone to decay, dental crowns may help protect it from breaking or holding down the broken parts of the tooth.
• When a tooth is worn down aand cannot hold a veneer, dental crowns may fix the issue. 
• Dental crowns may hold the dental bridge in place. 
• When there isn’t much of the tooth left, dental crowns may help cover and support the tooth. 
• When the teeth are misshapen or severely discolored and cannot be fixed by other treatments. 
• To make a cosmetic modification.
• To cover dental implants. 

The Procedure Of Dental Crowns

The Multi-Day Procedure With A Temporary Crown

The traditional dental crown procedure needs at least two visits to the dental office. These two visits consist of:

• The tooth that requires a crown is examined and prepared by the dentist. This might entail getting an X-ray of the tooth. They could also prepare a mold of your mouth or teeth in advance.
• A portion of the tooth’s enamel will be filed down and removed by your dentist.
• Your trimmed tooth and the teeth around it will be imprinted.
• To safeguard your tooth, the dentist will place a temporary crown over it.
• The lab that creates the crown receives the imprint. This process might take a few weeks.
• You will make a second appointment after the crown is installed so your dentist can bond it to your tooth. 

Risks And Complications Of Using A Dental Crown

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is still a possibility even if you have dental crowns placed above your crowns to protect your teeth. Additionally, if tartar and plaque accumulate between the crown and your natural tooth, the risk of infection will be higher. 

Sensitivity

As we mentioned before, before we place the dental crown, the teeth need to be reshaped to accommodate them. The recipe process consists of shaving down the tooth enamel and exposing the tooth’s dentin. If it is not done by a professional dentist and the crown does not fit the entire tooth some part of the dentin may be left exposed. This explosion will make the tooth sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and it will cause discomfort. 

Allergic Reaction

Some people can be allergic to different materials and because dental crowns can be made from different types including, zirconia, porcelain, resin, or more, the possibility of experiencing allergy symptoms increases. 

Bite Problem

As we explained earlier, during the dental crown procedure the dentist will take impressions and images of your teeth before and after the tooth is shaved down. If the dentist and their lab are not careful and the crown doesnt fit properly, your ability to bite or to speak properly will be compromised. If this happens schedule another appointment with the dentist and they should make the right alterations to it. 

Chipped Crown

Nowadays there are several materials available that may be used to make dental crowns. These materials offer a lot of stability and are stronger making them more durable to chipping. However, porcelain dental crowns are also used and if they are made p entirely from this material and they don’t have a mental interior they can be chipped. 

Loose Crown

Having loose crowns is not very common after their placement and they are very durable. However, as time passes, the cement that keeps the crown in place can become loose and fail, making it fall or lose. 

Gum Irritation And/Or Recession

It is possible for a dental crown to irritate the nearby gum tissue, resulting in gum recession and inflammation that can hurt and cause sensitivity. If you properly follow our dentist’s aftercare instructions, you can avoid inflammation and gum recession.

Types of dental crowns

Gold Crowns

Gold crowns are composed of copper and other metals, such as nickel or chromium. Gold crowns’ strength and durability are their primary advantages. Certain dentists may recommend a gold crown as the best option for back restorations, based on the specific needs of each patient. However, because of their color and style, gold crowns aren’t a very common choice these days. The main benefits of gold crowns are:

• With proper maintenance, they are long-lasting, strong, and very resistant.
• Less of your normal tooth has to be extracted since they deteriorate similarly slowly to natural enamel.
• For dental restorations on the posterior side (back teeth), particularly second molars, they are perfect. 

All Porcelain Crowns

Without a doubt, this is the most widely used kind of crown available today. They are constructed completely of porcelain. Among the benefits of these dental crowns are:

• The nicest and most natural-looking crowns are made of porcelain or ceramic. They are similar in the size, color, and form of the teeth around them making them unrecognizable.
• Porcelain crowns are the finest choice for restorative work on front teeth.
• Because they are biocompatible, no metal is used, making them free of toxins. 

Porcelain Fused-To-Metal Crowns (PFM)

Another popular kind of dental crown is porcelain fused to metal or PFM crowns. Because of their metal construction, they offer both strength and beauty (because of the porcelain coating that covers the top). Crowns made of porcelain fused to metal have the following important advantages:

• They offer excellent durability and aesthetics.
• They have existed for more than fifty years so dentists know how they work better. Also, they have shown their effectiveness.
• Their cost is lower than that of all-porcelain crowns.

 Zirconia Crowns

A relatively new material called zirconium combines the beauty of porcelain crowns with the durability of metal. Recently, high-translucency zirconia and stacked zirconia crowns have gained popularity. The following are the primary benefits of zirconia crowns:

• The look that they provide will be similar to your natural teeth.
• They are durable and solid and have a low chance of shattering or chipping.
• Since zirconia may be sculpted and cut in the same dentist facility abuse sending them to a different lab won’t be necessary. In conclusion, this procedure may take less time than other dental Implants.
• Because zirconia crowns are so strong, they are less prone to break.
• Because they are metal-free crowns, they are biocompatible and unlikely to trigger allergic responses.

E- Max: Lithium Disilicate Crowns

E-Max crowns are the newest kind of crowns available in dentistry today. This kind of all-ceramic crown is composed of thin, light lithium disilicate. furthermore, we have included the primary benefits of E-max crowns:

• E-Max crowns look and the feeling that they provide its the same as your natural teeth. 
• They may be extremely durable and long-lasting if you properly take care of them. 
• They offer excellent options for both front and back teeth. 

Here Are The Steps You Can Take If A Filling Or Crown Becomes Loose Or Falls Out

• Step 1: If you have lost a filling or crown and are in extreme discomfort after hours, call our dental clinic and we will set an emergency appointment for you here at Dr. Roland Zhukas office.
• Step 2: Give our office a call if you’re not in too much pain so we can schedule an appointment for a time that works for you.
• Step 3: If you misplace a crown, be sure to thoroughly clean it and store it in a secure location as it may be able to be cemented back into place. The state of the tooth structure below will determine this.
• Step 4: To maintain your crown in place while you wait for your dental visit, you can use toothpaste or temporary dental cement, which is available at many pharmacies. To replace the crown, DO NOT use glue or any other kind of non-dental substance.
• Step 5: Apply clove oil to the tooth to assist in reducing sensitivity if you’ve lost a filling. Try not to get any on your gums. 

How To Ease Discomfort From A Lost Filling Or Crown Before Your Dentist Visit

Understanding The Issue

The inner layers of your tooth are exposed when a filling or crown comes loose, which increases the likelihood of pain, sensitivity, and infection by bacteria. To properly manage the issue, it is important that you understand the effects of this exposure. A tooth’s inside structures are delicate, and without a dental crown or filling that covers it from outside elements, they become exposed causing sensitivity and also discomfort. 

Immediate Steps To Take

Time is critical in the following days of a filling or crown loss. Start by giving yourself a gentle mouthwash with warm salt water. The soft cloth has two functions: it can ease some of the agony while also cleaning the afflicted region and getting rid of any dirt. Additionally, biting on the side of the mouth where the filling or crown is missing should be avoided to reduce discomfort and stop additional damage. 

Over-The-Counter Remedies

Dental filling kits accessible without a prescription are a great option for a quick cure before expert help arrives. Usually, these kits come with dental cement or other easily applied materials to cover the exposed region. They can offer enough coverage while not being a long-term fix until you can get a professional consultation. 

Avoiding Certain Foods

A tooth that has been exposed after losing a filling or crown becomes more sensitive. Avoiding overly hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks is advised to prevent discomfort. These sorts of foods may cause increased sensitivity and worsen pain in the exposed tooth.

Using Temporary Solutions

In case you are unable to find a dental filling kit, basic home products might function as temporary substitutes. You can use dental wax or sugar-free gum to temporarily cover the exposed region. They offer a barrier that protects the tooth and stops further discomfort until expert aid is available, even if they are not a long-term solution. 

Understanding Potential Complications

Ignoring a missing crown or filling might have a negative impact on your oral health. If the problem isn’t treated right away, it might lead to complications including infections or further tooth structural damage. To avoid these potentially serious consequences, it is important to understand the importance of taking immediate action. 

Managing Discomfort With Pain Relief

Pain management using over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be very helpful. These drugs function to reduce pain and inflammation, offering short-term relief until you can see your dentist for a thorough examination and treatment recommendation.