How To Address Common Problems With Fillings And Crowns

Over the course of your life, it is probable that you will need to have a variety of dental procedures done to your mouth. In particular, crowns and fillings are especially common, and while these treatments can restore the structural integrity of your tooth, they can also encounter problems. By understanding what to do when you encounter the following two problems with fillings and crowns, you will be in a better position to know how to have the problem addressed. 

Loose Crown

Crowns are often installed to strengthen teeth that have been weakened due to injuries or decay. Unfortunately, it is possible for the adhesive that holds the crown over the tooth to weaken. This can result in the crown starting to feel like it is shifting positions when you bite down. 

When this problem arises, you will need to have it repaired by a professional dentist as soon as possible to minimize the risk of the crown coming off or the tooth suffering damage. In cases where it may be a few days before you can see a dentist, there is dental adhesive that you can purchase from most drug stores. Apply this cement to the edges of the crown to help hold it in place. You should not consider this is a permanent solution because these adhesives are not as strong as the ones used by your dentist. 

Missing Filling

Fillings are a very common form of dental restoration, and while this repair will usually be problem free, it is possible for fillings to fall out. This can occur for a variety of reasons, but decay of the tooth with the filling can play a major role in this problem. Unfortunately, there is little that you can do to repair this problem without professional help. 

While replacing a filling can be an expensive and inconvenient procedure, it may be the only way to prevent infection, decay and a host of other issues from impacting the tooth. If it will be more than a day or two before you can have the filling replaced, you should take special care to keep your mouth sanitized. This will entail using mouthwash throughout the day as well as continuing to brush and floss after each meal. 

Understanding what to do when your dental crowns or fillings encounter problems is important for keeping your smile beautiful. By using dental adhesive to secure loose crowns and keeping teeth with missing fillings clean, you can help protect your teeth until you are able to be treated by a dentist. 

Contact a group like Dentalcare Associates to learn more.