A lost dental filling or crown is not a phenomenon that is unheard of. The condition causes discomfort and on the whole is a pretty disconcerting experience. It raises concern about one’s oral health as well. Is this condition a dental emergency? It is indeed crucial to settle this question clearly and only then taking the right steps to tackle the situation becomes easier opines a leading dentist in London. But first let us explore the reasons that usually lead to loose dental filling London.
The situation of a lost dental crown or filling
- The causes– There can be several causes behind a lost dental crown or filling, some of which are mentioned below.
- Tooth decay – Presence of underlying decay in the tooth is one of the major reasons for a lost filling or crown. The natural structure of the tooth gets compromised over a period of time and this affects the integrity of the dental restoration.
- Natural wear and tear – In course of the years, natural wear and tear sets in and that deteriorate dental crowns and fillings to a large extent. In other words, chewing, grinding and clenching weaken the bond that holds the restoration to your tooth.
- Facial injury or trauma – Physical injury or trauma sustained on the mouth is known to dislodge these dental restorations easily. Experiencing incidents like a blow to the face, accidents, a fall and others are known to affect your dental restorations like crowns and fillings.
- Poor fitting of restorations – According to a dentist with years of experience in handling cases of loose filling in London apart from the causes mentioned above an improperly placed or poorly fitted dental filling and crown may lead to premature loss of the restoration. It is most crucial that dental restorations be always placed accurately and securely.
Steps to immediate relief
- Be careful not to lose the dental restoration
If a dental crown or a filling comes out of its place the first thing you should do is preserve it. You should place it safely in a container or in a plastic bag if it remains intact. It is important to be little careful in its handling to avoid contamination.
- Get the area cleaned
You should clean the affected tooth as well as the inside of the lost filling or the crown. Be gentle while cleaning to avoid any unnecessary damage at this stage. If there is any debris stuck in the mouth, then you should rinse the mouth well with water to remove it. You may rinse with lukewarm water to maintain optimum oral hygiene as well as preparing the area for a possible reattachment although that is to be decided by your dentist.
- Filling with temporary material
Temporary filling material is readily available at drugstores over the counter. Use this to cover the exposed tooth for the time being. Make sure to see your dentist as soon as possible.
- Use dental cement for dislodged crowns
If you suffer from lost dental crown then you can try out this solution. Get dental cement from your neighbourhood pharmacy. This is though temporary but a reliable solution to reattach the crown. Make sure to see your dentist as soon as you can and get proper treatment.
Why you should not ignore a lost filling or a crown
- Discomfort and sensitivity
When a dental crown or a filling comes loose from your tooth the tooth becomes exposed. As a result of the exposure, you may suffer from sensitivity to cold, hot or sweet foods. If the surface of the tooth is left unprotected you may experience severe pain and discomfort. And warns a dentist who handles cases of loose dental filling in London over the years.
- High risk of decay
A filling or dental crown acts like a protective covering for your already decayed and diseased tooth. In absence of this protective covering the underlying tooth may become susceptible to further decay. The compromised area becomes an easy zone for harmful bacteria to get entry and lead you to more complications of the dental problem.
- Chances of shifting for adjacent teeth
There are chances that the alignment of the neighbouring teeth may get affected in absence of a dental filling or a crown. In course of time this issue may lead to changes in your bite and other potential orthodontic conditions.
- The tooth becomes further weak
When a tooth loses a crown or a filling it becomes even more vulnerable than what already it is. a weak tooth is more easily susceptible to additional damages and fractures.
Looking toward long-term solutions
Prompt evaluation of the overall condition – a prompt dental evaluation in these cases proves helpful determining the cause of the lost filling or the crown. The evaluation is also helpful preparing a foolproof treatment plan. Usual treatments in this condition involve taking care of the decay, replacing the restoration as well as exploring other options.
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Fresh and new restoration may be required
A new or fresh crown or filling becomes necessary in many of these cases. A common treatment for loose filling involves assessment of the tooth, removing the decay and then placing a fresh and new restoration in place of the lost one. This is how both functionality and aesthetics of the already damaged tooth are restored.
Consideration of alternative treatments
In certain cases, alternative treatment procedures can be considered. Alternative treatments include on lays, inlays, dental implants and others. However, these alternative treatments are considered only when there is significant damage to the tooth.
Importance of enhanced oral hygiene
Sound oral hygiene is always helpful for these patients to prevent any further complication or deterioration with the damaged tooth. Proper brushing and flossing every day backed with routine visits to one’s dentist are best ways to preserve dental restorations as well as overall oral health in the long run.
Is a lost dental crown or filling a dental emergency?
A lost dental crown or a filling is not a life-threatening condition by any means although it is a dental emergency that demands prompt care and intervention of a qualified dentist to prevent further complications down the timeline. So, you must see a dentist as soon as you can when you have a lost crown or filling.
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Is it alright to leave a lost crown or filling untreated?
In the opinion of the dentists working at the renowned Thousand Smiles dental clinic in London, leaving a lost crown or a filling ignored and untreated is never the right thing to do. These dental restorations work more as a protection to guard the exposed tooth from lots of complications including decay and sensitivity. Therefore, you need prompt care and guidance from a qualified dentist when your crown or filling gets lost.