--- title: "Lost Filling or Loose Crown: What To Do Until You Are Seen" description: "A filling fell out or a crown came loose? Learn what to do until your dentist sees you, which signs mean act sooner, and when to go to the emergency room." url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/lost-filling-or-loose-crown-what-to-do-until-you-are-seen publisher: Town Center Dental phone: +1-636-273-5866 quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment --- # Lost Filling or Loose Crown: What To Do Until You Are Seen Call your dentist as soon as you notice a lost filling or a loose crown. Keep the crown if you can. Rinse with warm water, chew on the other side, and avoid sticky foods. Go to the emergency room for trouble breathing or swallowing. RestorativePublished October 26, 20264 min read ## 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. What you notice What it may mean What to do A rough spot, no pain A filling has chipped or worn away Call the office and book a visit Pain when you bite or sip something cold The inside of the tooth is exposed Call the same day and ask how soon to come in A crown comes off and the tooth is sharp The crown no longer holds, and the tooth may be weak Keep the crown and call the office Swelling in the gum or face An infection may be present Call right away and describe the swelling Trouble breathing or swallowing A spreading infection may block the airway Call 911 or go to the emergency room 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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/lost-filling) can leave the tooth sensitive to air, cold, and chewing. Learn more about [dental fillings](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-crown) for how crowns are made and placed. A [broken crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/temporary-filling) or [temporary crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment). Our [dental fillings](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-fillings) page has the office’s own description of fillings. Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is a lost filling a dental emergency? It needs prompt attention, but it is usually not a life-threatening emergency. The ADA says to see your dentist as soon as possible for dental emergencies. Call the office, describe what happened, and ask how soon you should come in. Spreading swelling or trouble breathing is different and needs emergency care. ### What should I do with a crown that fell off? Keep the crown in a clean, dry container and bring it to your visit. Do not chew on that side. Call your dentist and describe what happened. Your dentist will tell you whether the crown can be reused or needs to be remade. ### Can I wait a few weeks to replace a lost filling? Ask your dentist. An open tooth can trap food and may become sensitive. A longer wait may let decay grow. Your dentist looks at the tooth and tells you how soon it needs care. Call the office at (636) 273-5866 so staff can book a visit. ### Why did my filling or crown come loose? There are several possible reasons, such as new decay under the old work, a crack in the tooth, or wear over time. Your dentist can look at the tooth and X-rays and explain what happened in your case. ## Terms on this page - [Temporary filling](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/temporary-filling) - [Dental emergency](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-emergency) - [Temporary crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/temporary-crown) - [Gums (gingiva)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gums-gingiva) - [Broken crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/broken-crown) - [Lost filling](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/lost-filling) ## Sources 1. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Dental Emergency](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/dental-care/dental-emergencies) 2. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Dental Emergency](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/dental-care/dental-emergencies) 3. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Dental Emergency](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/dental-care/dental-emergencies) 4. [MedlinePlus (NIH): Dental crowns](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007631.htm) 5. [MedlinePlus (NIH): Dental crowns](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007631.htm) 6. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Crowns](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/crowns) 7. [MedlinePlus (NIH): Ludwig angina](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001047.htm) Written by Town Center Dental and checked against the sources above on October 26, 2026. Dental guidance changes, so check the linked page, and ask your dentist about your own care. ## Keep reading - [Dental Emergencies: What Counts, What To Do First, and Who To CallA dental emergency is a mouth problem that needs care right away, such as uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain that medicine does not ease, or a knocked-out tooth. Call 911 or go to an emergency room for trouble breathing or swallowing. Otherwise, call your dentist. Town Center Dental is closed Friday to Sunday.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-emergency-guide) - [Crown, filling or onlay: which does your tooth need?The size of the damage decides the repair. A filling fits small to medium decay. An inlay or onlay fits a tooth too damaged for a filling but too healthy for a crown. A crown covers the whole tooth when too little healthy tooth remains. Your dentist chooses after an exam.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/crown-vs-filling-vs-onlay) - [Cracked, Chipped or Broken Tooth: What Repair Fits Each Break?A chip is a piece of enamel that breaks off. A crack is a break that runs through the tooth. Repair depends on size and depth, from polishing or bonding to a crown, root canal or removal. Rinse, save any pieces, use a cold pack, and call your dentist. Pain, swelling or fever needs prompt care.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/cracked-chipped-tooth) - [Dental crowns: types, lifespan and what to expectA dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a weak, broken or worn tooth. Cleveland Clinic gives an average lifespan of five to 15 years. Metal, porcelain and resin crowns differ in look and wear. Most crowns take two visits, and your dentist numbs the tooth first.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-crowns-guide) - [What Happens at a Dental Exam and CleaningA typical dental visit includes a health history, a cleaning by a hygienist, an exam by the dentist, an oral cancer check and, at some visits, X-rays. The hygienist scrapes off plaque and tartar, polishes and flosses. The dentist then reviews findings and any treatment options with you.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/what-to-expect-dental-visit) - [Emergency Dentist or Urgent Care or ER? Where to GoCall your dentist first for most dental emergencies. Go to an emergency room, or call 911, for trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling that spreads to the neck, a fever with facial swelling, bleeding that will not stop, or serious facial injury. Urgent care is an option if you have no dentist.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/emergency-dentist-or-urgent-care-or-er) ## Ready when you are [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)