What To Do: Missing Crowns & Broken Fillings

You’re running your tongue around the inside of your mouth when suddenly you think, “That feels weird…” You don’t remember your tooth having a sharp edge or a big hole in it. 

What the heck happened — and what should you do about it?

Odds are, you probably lost a crown or broke off a filling. It’s not uncommon and is usually easy to fix. But it’s important to take care of it quickly to prevent decay, disease, and pain.

3 things you should do after losing a crown or filling

1. Call your dentist, let them know what happened, and schedule an appointment to get it looked at.
2. Brush thoroughly but gently. You need to keep bacteria at bay.
3. Avoid chewy or crunchy foods as they may lead to a bigger crack or fracture in the tooth.

Is It Dangerous or Painful?

Usually, it’s more annoying than anything else. Your tongue may brush up against the sharp edge of the tooth. Food might get stuck in it and be hard to brush away. But that’s what’s deceptive about a lost crown or broken filling. You might feel like you can get away with ignoring it.

But the longer the tooth goes unrepaired, the bigger the risk:

• Crowns and fillings protect weakened teeth — serious cracks or fractures can develop.
• Bacteria may be able to get deep into the tooth and cause serious infections and tooth decay.
• Eventually, you might need to have the remaining tooth pulled.

The dentists and staff at Greater Long Island Dental in Massapequa are known for our smiling faces, gentle touch, and commitment to exceeding our patients’ expectations.

We’ll help you feel confident about your smile and your health. Our promise to every patient is the same: You’ll always be treated with the utmost care, respect, and compassion.