Lost Filling or Loose Crown: What To Do Until You Are Seen

What should I do right after a filling falls out or a crown comes loose?

Call your dentist as soon as you can. The American Dental Association (ADA) says that for dental emergencies it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Most dentists keep some time open for urgent visits, so give the office as much detail as you can.

While you wait, take these steps:

1. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area.
2. Pick up the crown or filling if you can find it. Store it in a clean, dry container.
3. Chew on the other side of your mouth.
4. Avoid very hot, cold, hard, or sticky foods.
5. Call the office and describe what you see and feel.

Do not try to glue the piece back on. Ask the office before you try any store-bought repair product.

The ADA also warns against putting aspirin on an aching tooth or gums, because it may burn the gum tissue. Take pain medicine only as the label or your doctor says.

Is a lost filling or loose crown an emergency?

Usually it is urgent but not life-threatening. The tooth needs care soon. It does not need a 911 call by itself. The signs below help you decide how fast to act.

MedlinePlus, from the National Institutes of Health, says that breathing difficulty is an emergency. It tells you to go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number, such as 911, right away. Do not wait for a dental appointment if you have trouble breathing or swallowing.

Town Center Dental is open Monday to Wednesday from 8am to 5pm and Thursday from 8am to 4pm. The office is closed Friday through Sunday. If something serious happens when the office is closed, go to an emergency room.

What is the difference between a lost filling and a loose crown?

A filling is material that sits inside a hole in the tooth. When it falls out, the hole is open again. A lost filling can leave the tooth sensitive to air, cold, and chewing. Learn more about dental fillings on our service page.

A crown covers the whole visible part of the tooth. The ADA says a crown can help strengthen a tooth with a large filling when there is not enough tooth left to hold the filling. A crown can also protect a weak tooth. When a crown comes loose, the tooth under it is bare. That tooth may have decay or a crack. See our page on dental crowns for how crowns are made and placed.

A broken crown is a related problem. In that case the crown itself has cracked or chipped. Your dentist will check the crown and the tooth under it.

What if I have a temporary filling or temporary crown?

A temporary filling or temporary crown is a short-term cover. It is not made to last as long as the final work. It can fall off, especially if you chew sticky foods.

MedlinePlus gives two tips for a temporary crown. Slide your floss out of the contact point rather than lifting it up, because lifting can pull the crown off the tooth. Also avoid sticky foods such as gummy bears, caramels, bagels, nutrition bars, and gum.

If a temporary piece comes off, call your dentist. MedlinePlus lists a lost temporary crown among the reasons to contact your dentist. It also lists swelling that is getting worse, a bite that feels wrong, and pain that over-the-counter medicine does not relieve.

Why did my filling or crown come loose?

There is more than one possible reason, and only an exam can tell which one applies. Common causes include:

• New decay at the edge. Bacteria can work under old work and weaken the bond.
• A crack in the tooth. A cracked tooth can let a filling or crown shift.
• Heavy wear. Grinding or clenching can break down dental work over time.
• Age of the work. Fillings and crowns do not last forever.

Your dentist looks at the tooth, takes X-rays if needed, and explains what happened. Then you can talk about the options. The right option depends on how much healthy tooth remains.

What will the dentist do at the visit?

Your dentist will look at the tooth and ask about your symptoms. X-rays may show decay or a crack under the old work. The dentist will talk with you about what to expect, which may include cleaning the tooth and placing a new filling or crown. In some cases, the dentist may suggest a different treatment.

Bring the crown or the filling piece if you have it. Tell the office about any pain, swelling, or fever. For more on urgent problems, read our dental emergency guide.

Next step

If a filling or crown has come loose, call Town Center Dental at (636) 273-5866 or request an appointment. Our dental fillings page has the office’s own description of fillings. Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect.