Treatment for a Lost Filling or Crown in Clearwater, FL

Dental fillings and crowns are intended to be permanent. So, is losing one of these strong dental restorations an emergency? Not necessarily. Here’s why:

Fillings and crowns are placed to improve the function and appearance of a tooth that has become damaged due to decay or trauma. The damage—as well as the treatment required to address it, such as drilling—can weaken the tooth structure, and a properly placed filling or crown can strengthen and protect it.

While fillings and crowns are durable, they are not indestructible. For instance, a filling or crown can break or pop out due to sudden trauma or ongoing wear and tear. Left unprotected, the exposed tooth structure may be sensitive when exposed to pressure, air, or hot or cold temperatures.

Losing a dental restoration is sometimes painful, but in most cases it is not a dental emergency. That said, if a lost filling or crown is not promptly replaced by a dentist, the exposed tooth structure may become further damaged.

Here’s What to Do

If you lose a filling or crown, try to find it and put it in a safe place so you can take it with you when you see your dentist. Sometimes, a lost filling or crown is salvageable, but don’t worry if you can’t find yours—your dentist can make you a new one.

Next, contact your dental office to schedule a visit. Until you can see your dentist, be sure to keep your exposed tooth structure clean. While it’s always important to practice good oral hygiene, you should take extra care after you lose a filling or crown. To do so, gently brush around and inside the affected tooth to remove food debris. As a further precaution, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater after eating. To address any tooth sensitivity, you can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed.

If you lose a filling or crown, it’s probably not a dental emergency, but you should still see a dentist sooner rather than later. Contact Florida Dental Centers in Clearwater, FL. We can provide the urgent dental care you need and replace your lost filling or crown as soon as possible.