I had traditional braces and he just like every month when I came in just made sure that everything was going good and changed my wires. And originally I had a tooth in the middle of my mouth and then I … it’s now in the front and everything. It was really smooth. Like I thought it was going to be very crazy because my teeth were awful, but he actually made it really smooth and it went a little bit longer than we thought but that’s because things came up that we didn’t know were going to come up and like I had baby teeth that had never fallen out so he had to pull those.
And so I think it just was like it went longer but they came out better because it went longer. In the beginning I didn’t want to take pictures. My dad had printed a picture on a blanket for my mouth. I was like, “No, that’s not going to work.” I don’t like smile and now like I’m always smiling and I’m a lot more happier and confident like in school or in public.
I would recommend here because they are just always so nice and everything they do comes out fantastic. You won’t regret coming because they’re … they tell you if something’s going to hurt and usually nine times out of 10 it doesn’t hurt. You don’t feel anything. If you’re looking for somewhere where you’re going to be relaxed, calm and everybody’s nice, this is a really nice place to come to.

That sudden moment when you realize your dental work has come loose can be alarming. Whether you’ve lost a filling in Crown Point, IN, or anywhere else, knowing how to handle this dental emergency can make a significant difference in preserving your tooth and minimizing discomfort.
Call 219-641-3422 to make an appointment at Van Buskirk & Krischke DDS to repair a damaged restoration.
Why Dental Work Comes Loose
Dental restorations don’t last forever, even with excellent care. Fillings and crowns can become dislodged for various reasons, including tooth decay beneath the restoration, changes in bite pressure, or trauma to the mouth. Sometimes, the dental cement simply deteriorates over time, weakening the bond between the restoration and your natural tooth.
Immediate Steps to Take
First, locate the restoration if possible. If you find it, store it in a clean container. Don’t attempt to clean it with anything other than a gentle rinse with water. If you’ve swallowed the filling or crown, don’t panic – this is more common than you might think and typically passes through your system without complications.
Protecting Your Exposed Tooth
The newly exposed area may be sensitive to temperature and pressure. Here’s how to minimize discomfort until you can see a dentist:
- Create a temporary seal using dental wax from your local pharmacy. Shape it to cover the exposed area, providing a barrier against temperature changes and food particles. Replace it every few hours or after eating.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side and stick to soft foods that won’t require much pressure or manipulation near the exposed tooth. Consider room-temperature foods to minimize sensitivity.
Managing Discomfort & Prevention
While waiting for your dental appointment, over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any discomfort. Clove oil, available at most pharmacies, can provide temporary relief when applied carefully to the affected area. However, these are temporary solutions – not long-term fixes.
Long-term prevention involves:
- Maintaining regular dental check-ups to catch potential issues before they lead to lost restorations
- Being mindful of habits like grinding teeth or chewing ice that can stress dental work
- Using a nightguard if recommended by your dentist
- Avoiding extremely sticky or hard foods that could compromise dental work
When Professional Help Is Crucial
While temporary measures can help, seeing a dentist promptly is essential. Leaving a tooth exposed for too long can lead to further damage, decay, or the need for more extensive treatment. Most dental offices reserve time slots for emergency cases like lost fillings or crowns, understanding the urgent nature of these situations.
Taking Action Now
If you’ve lost a filling in Crown Point, IN, don’t let anxiety or busy schedules delay treatment. Modern dental techniques make replacing lost restorations more comfortable and efficient than ever before. Your dentist can evaluate whether a simple replacement will suffice, or if the underlying tooth needs additional treatment to prevent future issues.
Remember, you’re not alone in this situation – dental emergencies happen to everyone. The key is acting quickly and confidently to protect your oral health. Contact a trusted dental professional today to restore your smile and peace of mind. Most dental offices understand the urgency of your situation and will work to accommodate emergency appointments, often on the same day.
Call 219-641-3422 or schedule online to set up an appointment at Van Buskirk & Krischke DDS in Crown Point, IN.