Filling, Crown or Veneer Fell Out

Lost Fillings in Rapid City, SD

Losing a filling can leave your tooth vulnerable to damage and infection. If your filling fell out, avoid eating on the affected side to prevent further damage, and rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the area clean. A filling can fall out for several reasons:

• Decay Around the Filling: New decay can form around the edges of an old filling, weakening the structure and causing it to fall out.
• Wear and Tear: Over time, fillings can wear down due to the constant pressure from chewing, grinding, and biting, leading to loosening or falling out.
• Improper Bonding: If the filling was not properly bonded to the tooth initially, it might not adhere well and can eventually fall out.
• Trauma or Injury: A blow to the mouth or biting down on something hard can dislodge a filling.
• Age of the Filling: Older fillings may weaken over time, especially if made from materials like amalgam, which can expand and contract with temperature changes, leading to cracks and loosening.
• Tooth Fracture: If the tooth around the filling fractures, the filling can become loose and fall out.

If you’ve lost a filling it is important to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to avoid complications. Below are recommendations on how to care for your exposed tooth until you are able to have it professionally fixed.

Lost Dental Crowns

Dental crowns that fall out should be examined by a professional as soon as possible. Various factors can cause a crown to fall out, including failed adhesive, decay, or oral trauma. Regardless of the type of crown, you might experience pain or increased sensitivity if it falls out. An exposed tooth left by an adhesive-attached crown is especially vulnerable to cavities and decay. Often, an exposed tooth can appear black due to untreated cavities. While it’s important not to panic if you lose a crown, scheduling an appointment promptly for repair is essential.

Save Your Lost Dental Crown

If you’ve lost a crown, be sure to save it. Gently rinse the lost crown to keep it clean, and bring it to your appointment. Your dental crown may be reused. Below are additional instructions on how to care for your mouth if you’ve lost a crown of any type.

Lost Veneers

Veneers do not last indefinitely. They can fall out due to poor adhesive, tooth decay behind the veneer, physical trauma, or simply the passage of time. A missing veneer can be very noticeable, prompting many people to seek a quick fix. Although veneers are primarily cosmetic and not the same as crowns, it’s important to address a missing veneer promptly. The application of veneers involves removing a small amount of enamel, leaving the area vulnerable to cavities and further damage while the veneer is missing.

Steps to Follow if You’ve Lost a Veneer

• Keep your veneer, even if it’s in pieces.
• Schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
• Be cautious of increased sensitivity until the veneer is fixed.