Lost Filling and Crown Replacement in Huntingdale & Thornlie

If you lose a filling or crown, it’s important to act quickly to protect your tooth and prevent further complications. Here’s what you should do:

• Retrieve the filling or crown:
  If possible, find the lost filling or crown and keep it safe. Rinse it with warm water to clean off any debris. Then, store it in a clean container or wrap it in a tissue and bring it to your dentist for evaluation.
• Protect the exposed tooth:
  The tooth underneath the filling or crown is now exposed and vulnerable. Proper cleaning and removal of any food debris on the tooth will help prevent the progression of decay until a visit to the dentist is scheduled.
• Manage pain and discomfort:
  If you experience pain or sensitivity, over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Also, avoid eating on the affected side of your mouth, especially hard or sticky foods like nuts and gum. These foods could aggravate the exposed tooth by causing increased sensitivity, pain, or irritation.
• Contact your dentist immediately:
  It’s essential to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Explain the situation and request an emergency visit if necessary. The dentist will assess the damage and determine the appropriate course of action.

If you need lost filling and crown replacement in Huntingdale & Thornlie, contact us today for immediate care. Prompt dental attention will help prevent further damage and keep your tooth properly protected.

Yes, a crown falling off can be considered a dental emergency. Here’s why:

• Exposed Tooth Vulnerability:
  Without the crown, the underlying tooth is exposed, making it more susceptible to damage, decay, and infection.
• Increased Sensitivity and Pain:
  The exposed tooth can become extremely sensitive to temperature, pressure, and touch. This may lead to discomfort or pain, especially when eating or drinking.
• Risk of Tooth Movement:
  If not addressed, the surrounding teeth may shift into the gap left by the missing crown. This may alter your bite and cause alignment issues.
• Potential for Further Complications:
  The longer the tooth remains exposed, the greater the chance of developing more serious dental issues that could require more extensive treatment. For example, an exposed tooth can develop deep decay. It may eventually require root canal therapy, where the dentist removes the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth.

To avoid worsening dental issues, visit your dentist as soon as possible. Getting your crown reattached or replaced quickly is vital to maintaining your dental health.

You can go without a crown for about one to two weeks. However, waiting longer for a dental crown replacement increases the risk of complications.

• Within the First Week:
  During this time, the tooth remains relatively stable. However, you may experience increased sensitivity, especially when eating or drinking. The risk of decay begins as the tooth is unprotected, but it’s still manageable if addressed promptly.
• 1 to 2 Weeks:
  After the first week, the risks increase. The exposed tooth becomes more vulnerable to fractures or chipping, especially if it is already weakened. Sensitivity can worsen, and the likelihood of decay developing on the exposed surface grows. Additionally, the surrounding teeth may start to shift slightly, which can lead to bite and alignment issues.
• 2 to 4 Weeks:
  If a crown is not replaced within this period, the tooth may suffer significant damage. Decay could advance, potentially requiring more extensive dental work, such as root canal therapy. Teeth shifting may begin, which may result in a misaligned bite and cause further complications.
• Beyond 4 Weeks:
  At this point, the risks are much higher. The tooth may be severely compromised, leading to pain, infection, or alignment problems. The overall integrity of your dental structure is at risk, which could impact your long-term oral health.

Book an appointment with us today to receive personalised treatment for your missing crown. Our dental crown replacement treatment is designed to effectively restore the function and appearance of your teeth.

No, you should not attempt to reattach a crown yourself, as it may lead to the following issues:

• Improper Alignment:
  Without professional guidance, you might not place the crown properly. This can cause bite issues, discomfort, or damage to the surrounding teeth.
• Risk of Infection:
  The area under the crown may be vulnerable to bacteria, and improper reattachment could trap harmful bacteria, leading to infection.
• Potential for Further Damage:
  Using over-the-counter adhesives or attempting to force the crown back into place can damage the tooth, the crown, or both. This includes cracking or chipping the tooth, misaligning the crown, or weakening the bond between the tooth and crown.

Entrust the reattachment of your crown to us. We prioritise both safety and effectiveness in every procedure, offering precision and quality dental care.

A lost filling is considered a moderately urgent dental issue. If ignored, it can result in various complications, such as:

• Increased Tooth Sensitivity:
  The exposed area of the tooth becomes sensitive to hot, cold, and pressure, causing discomfort when eating or drinking.
• Risk of Decay:
  Without the protection of a filling, the tooth is more susceptible to decay. This is because bacteria can easily enter the exposed area and lead to cavities. Symptoms may include increased sensitivity, pain, or visible dark spots on the affected tooth.
• Potential for Further Damage:
  The exposed tooth structure is more prone to cracking, chipping, or breaking, especially when chewing hard foods like nuts and ice. Symptoms may include sudden sharp pain, discomfort when biting down, or visible fractures in the tooth.
• Infection Risk:
  If decay progresses, it can reach the inner layers of the tooth. It may cause persistent toothaches, swelling, or the development of an abscess near the affected tooth.

Timely lost filling replacement not only restores the function of your tooth but also reduces the risk of decay and further damage. Contact Huntingdale-Thornlie Dental today to schedule an appointment.

You should see a dentist within one to two weeks after a filling falls out. Waiting longer can lead to a variety of complications. Here’s what can happen:

• Within the First Week:
  The tooth is exposed but generally stable. During this time, you may experience mild sensitivity, especially when eating or drinking. The risk of decay begins, but it’s still manageable if addressed promptly.
• 1-4 Weeks:
  As time progresses, the exposed tooth becomes more vulnerable to damage, such as chipping or cracking. Sensitivity may increase, and the likelihood of decay developing in the exposed area grows. Bacteria can start to accumulate, leading to early signs of decay, such as increased sensitivity and discolouration on the enamel.
• 1-2 Months:
  Waiting this long increases the risk of significant damage. The exposed tooth may begin to decay, potentially requiring more extensive dental treatment, such as root canal therapy. This procedure removes infected pulp, cleans the root canals, and seals them to prevent further infection. You may also experience more severe pain and sensitivity.
• Beyond 2 Months:
  After this period, the tooth is at high risk for serious complications. Decay could reach deeper layers of the tooth depending on the depth of the existing cavitation, leading to infection and the need for more complex procedures like tooth extractions. The procedure involves removing a damaged or decayed tooth from its socket, often under local anaesthesia, to prevent further issues.

Don’t wait too long to get your lost filling replacement to avoid these risks. We are here to provide you with the care and attention you need for a smooth recovery.

An emergency lost filling replacement or dental crown replacement usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour. The duration is hugely dependent on the complexity of the case. Here’s what to expect:

• Initial Examination and Preparation:
  The dentist will first assess the tooth, clean the area, and remove any debris or decay. This usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes.
• Filling Replacement:
  If it’s a filling, the dentist will prepare the tooth and apply the filling material. This process generally takes another 10 to 20 minutes.
• Crown Replacement:
  If it’s a crown, the dentist will check the fit and recement if it is still acceptable. This might take 20 to 30 minutes. If the existing crown is no longer suitable, then a new crown must be fabricated.
• Final Adjustments:
  After placement, the dentist will make any necessary adjustments so that your bite is comfortable. This usually takes around five to ten minutes.

The process of an emergency replacement of lost crowns and fillings is generally quick. If you’ve lost a crown or filling, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are committed to providing the necessary care to restore your dental health effectively.

Not replacing a lost filling or crown can lead to several significant dental risks, such as:

• Increased Tooth Sensitivity:
  Without the protection of a filling or crown, the exposed tooth becomes highly sensitive to hot, cold, and pressure. This sensitivity can cause discomfort or pain, especially when eating or drinking.
• Tooth Decay:
  The exposed area is more vulnerable to bacterial buildup, leading to decay. Over time, this decay can progress, causing cavities or more severe damage to the tooth structure. Symptoms may include sensitivity, pain, or visible holes in the tooth.
• Tooth Fractures:
  An unprotected tooth is more prone to cracking or breaking, especially when chewing hard foods like nuts. A fractured tooth may result in significant pain and increased sensitivity to temperature or pressure.
• Infection:
  If decay remains unchecked, it can reach the tooth’s pulp, leading to an infection. Symptoms include persistent pain, swelling, and sensitivity. In severe cases, an abscess can form, which may require emergency dental care or surgery.
• Shifting Teeth:
  If a crown is not replaced, adjacent teeth may begin to shift into the space, leading to bite misalignment. This can cause issues with chewing and jaw pain. It may also require orthodontic treatment, such as braces or aligners, to restore alignment and proper bite function.

Lost crowns and fillings must be replaced promptly to avoid these dental issues. Contact Huntingdale-Thornlie Dental today to schedule your appointment and protect your oral health.