Affordable Emergency Dentist For Lost Fillings And Crowns

Why Is Prompt Treatment Necessary?

Losing a filling or a crown is considered a dental emergency that requires prompt treatment. Tooth fillings protect the natural tooth where there used to be tooth decay and a cavity. When a filling falls out, the internal pulp, root, and surface are exposed and vulnerable to tooth decay, cavities, and infections. Additionally, having an exposed tooth makes it easy for food particles to get stuck in the teeth.

Depending on how they fell off, crowns could have opened a hole in the remaining tooth. You may also have problems eating and chewing food with a missing crown. 

Delaying having the filling replaced could result in tooth loss, and potentially having a root canal to remove the infection from the tooth root. Not having a crown replaced could lead to another infection, and having to get another root canal. Furthermore, infections can spread from their initial location and affect your other healthy teeth and gum tissue. 

At-Home Care Before Your Emergency Appointment

If you are unable to get a same-day emergency dental appointment, or your filling or crown falls off in the evening, there are a few things you can do to help protect the affected area, including:

• If you have the crown, put it in a small zip-locking bag in case it can be reattached.
• Rinse your mouth with a warm salt water mixture to address any swelling, bleeding, pain, or discomfort.
• Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where the filling or crown is missing.
• Avoid eating sticky foods and hard foods.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help alleviate any pain or swelling.
• Avoid sugary snacks, juices, and soft drinks, as sugar feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
• Brush your teeth after eating, and use an antibacterial mouthwash.
• Schedule an emergency dental appointment as soon as possible.

Lost Filling Or Crown: What To Do In An Emergency

When dealing with a lost tooth filling or crown, there are several things you can do until you can see an emergency dentist to help protect the affected area:

• Get a temporary lost filling repair kit from a pharmacy, and put it over the tooth.
• If you have the crown, keep it safe, as it might still be able to be reattached.
• Take steps to adjust your eating habits to protect the tooth as best as possible.

During your visit to an emergency dentist, you can also do the following:

• Ask about using more durable materials to replace the missing filling or crown.
• Schedule a follow-up comprehensive exam and teeth cleaning to ensure the issue is fully resolved.
• If the tooth is infected and has to be extracted, consider using advanced technology restorative materials, like dental implants, to replace the tooth.

Why Choose Absolute Dental As Your Emergency Dentist

Absolute Dental understands you have options when you need an emergency dentist in Reno. Some of the many reasons you should choose us include:

• Experienced emergency dentists
• State-of-the-art facilities that use the latest dental technologies and techniques
• Same-day emergency dental appointments are available
• Convenient locations throughout Reno
• Fast response times
• Caring and compassionate dental professionals
• We offer sleep dentistry to ensure you get the dental care you need
• After-hours emergency dental hotline
• Affordable dental services, even for emergencies
• Affordable filling and dental crown replacement
• We accept most major dental insurances
• We have payment plans, and other money-saving options for people without dental insurance

How To Prevent Future Loss Of Fillings Or Crowns

Fillings are not designed to last forever, and can last between five and 15 years, sometimes longer. Dental crowns can last a lifetime with proper care, but can occasionally come off the tooth support structure for various reasons. Some of the different ways you can prevent and reduce the risk of future loss of fillings and crowns include:

• Practice good oral hygiene: Preventing tooth decay requires brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing once daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash. 
• Get regular dental checkups: Most people need bi-annual cleanings and checkups to ensure they are maintaining good oral health. These visits can identify loose and broken fillings and crowns, and address the issue before they fall off and get lost. 
• Limit sugar: Limit the amount of sugary foods, treats, and beverages you consume, as sugar feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay. 
• Never bite or chew on ice: Ice can cause microfractures, which can loosen fillings and crowns, and damage the outer enamel layer on teeth.
• Never chew or bite on non-food objects: Chewing on pencils, using your teeth to open packages, or chewing on straws can damage the enamel, and loosen fillings and crowns. 
• Seek immediate care when you have a dental emergency: Whether it is a lost filling or crown, or another dental issue, having dental emergencies treated as soon as possible can prevent problems from worsening. 

Visit Your Nearest Reno Absolute Dental Office For Emergency Dental Care Today

When you have a dental emergency and need immediate dental care, you can count on Absolute Dental, and our Reno dental offices. We have same-day emergency appointments available, as well as an after-hours hotline. Do not put off getting your lost tooth filling or crown replaced by scheduling your emergency dental care appointment today. 

Sources:

Different Types of Dental Crowns. (2023). 

Fillings: The Basics. (2023).

Your Guide to Tooth Decay Stages. (2024).