Lost filling or crown — what to do

What to do right now

1. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water. If the area feels sore, a warm salt water rinse can help clean it.
2. Do not chew on that side. Choose soft foods and avoid very hot, very cold, sticky, or hard foods.
3. If you still have the crown, keep it clean and bring it with you to the dentist. Do not force it back on.
4. If the tooth is sensitive, you can place sugar-free chewing gum or temporary dental cement from a pharmacy over the exposed area as a short-term cover only. Follow the package directions.
5. Use a cold compress on the cheek if there is swelling or throbbing.
6. If you use over-the-counter pain relief, take it only as directed on the label.
7. Arrange a dentist visit as soon as you can. If you need help finding one, use SteadyTooth to get matched or see same-day emergency dentist help.
8. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading toward the eye or neck, or bleeding that will not stop, call 911 or go to the ER right away.

Why a lost filling or crown needs attention

A filling or crown protects the tooth underneath. When it comes off, the tooth can become sensitive, sharp, weak, or more likely to crack.

Sometimes the problem is mild at first. Then pain gets worse after a day or two, or the tooth breaks while chewing. That is why it is smart to get it checked soon, even if the pain is not severe.

SteadyTooth is not a dentist or medical provider. We give general information only and help people in the United States look for dental care nearby.

When it is urgent and when it may be able to wait a little

Try to see a dentist soon if a filling fell out, a crown came loose, the tooth is very sensitive, the edge feels sharp, or it hurts to bite down. The sooner the tooth is protected, the better.

It may be more urgent if the crown or tooth broke, the pain is getting stronger, the area is swollen, you notice a bad taste or pus, or you cannot eat normally. Those can be signs that the tooth needs faster attention.

A short wait may be possible if the tooth is not painful, the crown came off cleanly, and you can keep the area protected and avoid chewing there. Even then, do not ignore it. A dentist should still check it.

Go to the ER or call 911 for true emergencies: trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading toward the eye or neck, or uncontrolled bleeding.

How to find dental care fast

If you are in pain or the tooth is exposed, start looking for a dentist now. A regular dentist may be able to fit you in quickly, and some offices have after-hours instructions.

If you need help, SteadyTooth can help you look for care. The service is free for you. You share contact details only — no medical information needed. We can help you look for a dentist near your city or ZIP, including preferred language and how soon you need care.

You can also read more about emergency dental help or same-day emergency dentist options. Dental coverage and rules can vary by state, and office availability can vary by city and time of day.

What the dentist may do

The dentist will check the tooth, the crown or filling, and how much healthy tooth is left. In some cases, the crown can be cleaned and cemented back on. In other cases, the tooth may need a new filling, a new crown, or other treatment.

If the tooth cracked, has decay underneath, or the nerve is affected, the visit may involve more than simply putting the crown back. That is one reason not to delay too long.

Only a licensed dentist who examines you can tell what treatment is needed. SteadyTooth cannot diagnose the problem.

What it may cost

The cost depends on what came loose, how damaged the tooth is, the dentist, and your city. If the crown can be re-cemented, the cost is often lower than replacing it. A new filling is usually less than a new crown, and more involved treatment can cost more.

As a very general guide, a simple exam and X-rays may be one cost, while re-cementing a crown, replacing a filling, or making a new crown can each add to the total. Costs vary a lot by case, dentist, and location.

If cost is a concern, ask the office for an estimate before treatment starts. You can also read our general emergency dental cost guide.