Learn More About Missing Crowns and Fillings
Experience a Modern and Efficient Way to Address Your Missing Fillings and Crowns
Missing crowns and fillings can be inconvenient especially when the tooth involved is a front tooth. Injury, gum disease or wear and tear are just some of the common causes of missing crowns and fillings.
Not only is it unsightly, but a missing tooth or filling can lead to further problems such as infection, decay, and jaw pain. Getting a replacement crown or filling is usually a quick and easy procedure, so there’s no need to wait. The sooner you get it done, the better!
At Brabham Smiles, our highly trained and experienced dental professionals are knowledgable in handling a wide variety of dental concerns, including lost crowns and fillings. If you come to us with a missing crown or filling, we will assess the situation and determine the right course of action. In some cases, we may be able to reattach the crown or replace the filling. However, if the tooth is damaged or the crown is severely cracked, we may need to perform a more extensive treatment. Regardless of the severity of your situation, you can rest assured that our team will provide you with exceptional care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy and beautiful smile!
Common Causes of Missing Crowns and Fillings
Have you ever had a dental crown or filling fall out? While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, missing dental restorations can lead to serious oral health problems. Fortunately, in most cases, missing crowns and fillings can be attributed to one of a few possible causes. Most commonly, the cause is an infection that develops underneath or around the restoration. This can happen when bacteria work their way into the small space between the tooth and the restoration.
Furthermore, fragile teeth are also more likely to lose crowns and fillings. Biting or chewing on sticky or tough foods can put too much pressure on the restoration, causing it to come loose. Teeth grinding (bruxism) can also put unnecessary stress on dental restorations, causing them to come out over time. Occasionally, dental restorations may come loose due to insufficient dental cement or incorrect placement.
In line with this, some types of dental filling materials are more prone to brittleness and may eventually crack or fall out of place. Regardless of the cause, seeing your dentist as soon as possible is crucial if you have a loose or missing dental restoration. Prompt treatment can help to prevent further oral health problems from developing.
Dental Services that Can Address Missing Crowns and Fillings
Scale and Clean
If you've ever had a dental crown or filling fall out, you know how frustrating it can be. Fortunately, our team at Brabham Smiles is here to help. We'll take X-rays of your mouth to get a clear picture of any areas that may be affected by decay, and use a unique scaling tool to clean away any plaque or tartar buildup on your teeth; this will help to prevent further decay and also make it easier for us to place the new crown or filling. In no time at all, you'll be back to smiling with confidence.
Gum Disease Treatment
When the gums become inflamed and pull away from the teeth, it creates niches where bacteria can lodge in, eventually destroying the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth. This can cause crowns and fillings to become loose and eventually fall out. By removing the bacteria and plaque from the gums, gum disease treatment can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Tooth Extraction
If your tooth is beyond damaged that it can't be repaired with a filling or crown, tooth extraction may be an ideal option. While this may seem like a daunting prospect, an extraction can actually help to preserve your oral health. By removing the damaged tooth, your dentist can prevent the spread of decay to other teeth, making it easier to place a new filling or crown on an adjacent tooth.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings can be used to manage missing crowns and fillings effectively. They are placed into the cavity left behind by the missing tooth structure and act as a replacement for the lost tooth material. On top of that, they are made from many different materials, including porcelain and composite resin.
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Frequently Asked Questions About
Missing Crowns and Fillings
What Should I Do If My Crown of Fillings Fall Off?
If your crown falls off, it’s important to seek dental care as soon as possible. While you may be tempted to simply put the crown back in place, this can cause more damage to your tooth. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to protect your tooth:
- Make an appointment with your professional dentist immediately and inform them if you’re experiencing pain. Ask for tips and advice on protecting the exposed tooth from damage.
- Do not throw away the crown so the dentist can examine it and determine whether it needs to be reused. It is possible for your dentist to re-cement your crown.
- To clean the area and remove any food debris, gargle with salt water. Mix half a teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm water to prepare the water. Swish it around for about a minute. By doing so, you will be protecting your exposed teeth from bacteria.
- Take care of the tooth as part of your dental hygiene routine. You should gently brush the area where the filling came out.
- Don’t chew on the area where the filling was exposed.
- Protect the exposed tooth with dental wax or temporary filling material, available online. This is a temporary measure until you can get the filling done by your dentist.
How Long Can I Leave My Missing Crowns and Fillings Unrestored?
How Will My Dentist Manage My Missing Crowns and Fillings?
When Should I See a Dentist About My Missing Crowns and Fillings?
How Many Times Can I Replace My Crowns and Fillings?
Dental crowns and fillings can last a long time, but eventually, they need to be replaced. Several factors can affect how often you will need to replace your crowns and fillings, including the type of material used, the location of the restoration, and your oral hygiene habits.
In general, most crowns can be expected to last between 5 and 15 years, while most fillings will need to be replaced every ten years or so. Of course, if you take good care of your teeth and see your dentist regularly for checkups, you may be able to extend the life of your dental work.
