Lost fillings or crowns can be alarming, especially if they happen unexpectedly. Whether eating your favourite snack or simply brushing your teeth, the sudden loss of a dental restoration can leave you feeling uncomfortable and unsure about what to do next. Understanding why fillings and crowns fall out, how to handle the situation, and what steps to take can make a significant difference in keeping your smile healthy and intact.
Fillings are used to treat cavities caused by tooth decay. They help restore the tooth’s structure after cleaning by filling the cavity with materials such as silver amalgam, composite resin, or gold.
Crowns are caps placed over teeth that have decayed, been damaged, or weakened. Crowns cover the entire tooth to protect it from further damage and restore its shape and function. They are typically made from materials such as porcelain, metal, or a combination of both.
Why Do Fillings or Crowns Fall Out?
Wear and Tear Over Time: Fillings and crowns can wear down from everyday chewing, especially on your back teeth. Eating hard foods or chewing ice can also speed up the damage.
Decay Under the Filling or Crown: If the tooth underneath your filling or crown starts to decay, the bond between the tooth and restoration can weaken, causing it to fall out. Even though the crown or filling covers the tooth, it doesn’t always create a perfect seal, letting bacteria sneak in.
Poor Fit or Preparation: Sometimes, a filling or crown might not fit properly from the start, or it can shift over time. If it doesn’t fit right, it could loosen and eventually fall out.
Trauma or Injury: If you take a hit to the mouth or have an accident, your filling or crown might come loose. Even though dental restorations are strong, they can be affected by trauma.
Old Restorations: Fillings and crowns don’t last forever, they can wear out or degrade, especially if it’s been a while since your last dental checkup.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral care, plaque, and bacteria can build up around your fillings or crowns. It can cause the restoration to loosen and fall out.
What to Do If You Lose a Filling or Crown
Contact Emergency Dentist Near You Right Away: Losing a filling or crown is considered a dental emergency, so it’s essential to contact an emergency dentist near you as soon as possible. The sooner you get an appointment, the quicker you can get treatment. If your dentist offers walk-in services or emergency hours, take advantage of that to get treated immediately. You can simply search “emergency dentist near me” on Google to find an emergency dentist.
