Lost a Filling or Crown? Here’s What to Do

If you’ve lost a filling or crown, the tooth underneath is now exposed and a little more fragile, so it’s worth getting repaired before the problem grows. This usually isn’t dangerous, and in most cases it’s a quick fix, but the sooner you’re seen the simpler that fix tends to be.

Crowns often pop off while you’re eating something sticky, and a filling can come loose after years of normal wear. Here’s whether it counts as an emergency, what to do with the crown and the tooth right now, and how we put it back.

Is a Lost Filling or Crown an Emergency?

Most of the time, no. A lost filling or crown is a routine repair that should be seen soon so the exposed tooth stays protected, so call us to get in promptly rather than heading to a hospital.

It moves higher up the list if you have sharp pain, a rough edge cutting your tongue or cheek, or new sensitivity to air, hot, or cold. If a piece of the actual tooth broke off along with the restoration, that’s a different situation, and our guide on what to do with a broken tooth walks through it.

What Should I Do Right Now?

A few simple steps protect the tooth until your appointment. If you still have the crown, save it and bring it with you, because an intact crown can sometimes be re-cemented. Keep the area clean with a gentle warm-water rinse, and try to chew on the other side, avoiding sticky and hard foods that could catch the exposed tooth.

For comfort, a temporary dental cement from the pharmacy can cover the area for a short time. One important warning: never use household glue to reattach a crown, since it isn’t safe for your mouth and can damage the tooth and the crown. When in doubt, leave the tooth uncovered, chew carefully, and call us.

Why Shouldn’t I Wait to Get It Fixed?

Without its filling or crown, the tooth has lost the layer that protected and reinforced it. The surface underneath is softer and more exposed, so it can decay, chip, or become sensitive, and a tooth left open for a while can end up needing more involved treatment than a simple repair. Getting in promptly usually keeps things straightforward. Our emergency dentist in Everett can often get the tooth repaired quickly so a small problem stays small.

How Do You Fix It?

What we do depends on the tooth and what came loose. If your crown is intact, we can often clean it up and re-cement it the same day. If the crown is damaged or lost, or the tooth has changed shape underneath, a new dental crown restores it. A lost filling is usually replaced with a new tooth-colored filling.

Sometimes there’s decay or a crack hiding under the old restoration, which is part of why it came loose in the first place. If the decay has reached the nerve, a root canal may be needed before the tooth is rebuilt. We’ll examine it, explain what we find, and walk you through the options. We accept most PPO plans and will verify your benefits and go over costs before we start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put my crown back on myself? Better not to rely on a do-it-yourself fix. A pharmacy temporary cement can hold an intact crown briefly, but never use household glue. Bring the crown in and we’ll re-cement it properly or replace it.

How long can I go without a crown or filling? Not long. The exposed tooth is vulnerable, so aim to be seen within a few days, sooner if there’s pain or sensitivity. The longer it’s open, the more likely the repair becomes.

Will it hurt without the filling or crown? It might be sensitive to air, hot, or cold, since the inner part of the tooth is exposed. Sharp or lingering pain is a reason to call sooner, as it can point to decay or nerve involvement underneath.

What does it cost to replace a crown or filling? It depends on which repair the tooth needs, from re-cementing an existing crown to a new crown or filling. We accept most PPO plans and will give you a clear estimate before any work begins.

The Bottom Line

A lost filling or crown usually isn’t an emergency, but it does need prompt care, because the exposed tooth is weaker and can turn a simple repair into a bigger one if it waits. Save the crown if you have it, skip the household glue, chew on the other side, and call to get in soon.

If your crown came off or a filling fell out, call our Everett office at (425) 743-3911 and we’ll get you scheduled to have it repaired. You can also book a visit online.