Broken or Lost Fillings in Edmonton

Our Edmonton dentists provide fillings and other dental restorations for patients with lost or broken fillings at our emergency dental clinic.

Why do I need to repair a broken or lost filling?

Without repair, broken or lost fillings can result in exposed tissue that can cause severe discomfort. Even if you don't experience any discomfort from your broken or lost filling, bacteria in your mouth can cause further deterioration to the tooth.

What happens during a filling procedure?

When you come in for your dental emergency appointment at our Edmonton dental clinic, we’ll start by taking an x-ray to determine how we will treat the tooth.

In most cases, we simply replace the filling. Your dentist will go over options for filling material with you ahead of time. Occasionally, the tooth may require a root canal or a crown to ensure the integrity of the tooth. In rare cases, a tooth need to be extracted.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What can I do to relieve the pain of my damaged filling until my appointment?

  There are several things you can do to reduce pain from a broken or lost filling if you can't get to the dentist straight away.

  If your tooth is very sensitive, try the following:

  • Apply clove oil, or an over-the-counter dental anesthetic like Orajel (benzocaine) or Anbesol (lidocaine), all of which you can find at most pharmacies.
  • Avoid foods and drinks that are very hot or cold.
  • Use an over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Why don't fillings last forever?

  Dental fillings are used to replace tooth material that has been damaged as a result of injury or decay. Fillings are very durable and will last for many years, but eventually they will need to be replaced due to daily wear and tear.

  If you visit you dentist regularly for checkups, they will take a look at your fillings to ensure that they are still in good shape. However, sometimes fillings break or fall out unexpectedly.

• Should I preemptively have my old fillings replaced?

  Your dentist will examine your fillings during your dental checkups, and let you know if any of them need to be replaced.

  That said, replacing good fillings at regular intervals "just in case" is not a good idea, because each time a filling is replaced, more of your natural tooth structure is lost.

  In general, a "less is more" approach to restorations is best.

• Does the filling replacement procedure hurt?

  Replacing a filling is much like adding a new filling, so in general the answer to this question is no; you will not experience much discomfort during the procedure (and possibly none at all).

  We will use local anaesthesia to numb the area before starting any work. You may feel some tenderness or discomfort in the area for a few days after the procedure, but this will pass.

  You can manage any discomfort during recovery with over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen.

• Will there be any followup appointments?

  After your filling has been replaced, you can continue to attend your regular dental appointments as usual, and your dentist will monitor your fillings that way.

  If you have any problems with your fillings, you should book an appointment to have your dentist take a look.