Losing a filling or crown can feel worrying. It can make your tooth sensitive or cause damage. It’s not always an emergency, but you should see a dentist soon to stop any problems from getting worse.This post clarifies when a lost restoration is urgent, offers temporary fixes, and explains why you should see a dentist soon to protect your oral health.
Fillings and crowns help protect teeth that have been damaged by cavities or injury. When they fall out, the exposed tooth is vulnerable to bacteria, temperature sensitivity, or cracking. Severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection (like a bad taste or fever) indicate an emergency—seek same-day care, as these suggest an abscess or nerve exposure. Without pain, the situation is less urgent but shouldn’t be ignored. Schedule a dental visit within 1–2 days to avoid complications like new cavities or a fractured tooth.
If your filling or crown falls out, rinse your mouth with warm water right away to keep it clean. If you find the crown, put it in a clean box—your dentist might be able to put it back if it’s not broken.To keep the tooth safe for a short time, you can cover it with dental cement, sugar-free gum, or dental wax . You can buy these at a pharmacy. These shield the tooth from hot, cold, or sugary foods that cause discomfort. Avoid chewing on the affected side and eat soft foods like mashed potatoes or smoothies. Don’t use superglue or any other glue to put the crown back on. These can be harmful and might damage your tooth.
Your dentist will check the tooth for decay or cracks, possibly using X-rays. They’ll replace the filling or recement the crown, or make a new one if the original is damaged. If the tooth has deteriorated, a root canal or extraction may be needed. Delaying care risks infection, as food particles can get trapped in the exposed area, potentially causing an abscess.
To keep your fillings and crowns from coming loose, don’t eat sticky foods (like caramel) or hard foods (like nuts). They can pull your dental work out. Regular dental checkups ensure your fillings and crowns are secure, and your dentist can replace aging ones before they fail. Keep dental cement in your first-aid kit for quick fixes and save your dentist’s emergency number.
