The short answer
If a filling or crown falls out, keep the crown, rinse your mouth with warm water, chew on the other side and call your dentist to be seen within a few days. A crown can be held in place for a short time with temporary dental cement from a pharmacy. Never use super glue.
What to do right away
- Find the crown and keep it. Rinse it and store it in a small, clean container. A lost filling usually crumbles and can’t be reused.
- Rinse with warm salt water after meals to keep the area clean.
- Brush gently around the tooth with a soft brush.
- Cover sharp edges with dental wax from the pharmacy so they don’t cut your tongue.
- Chew on the other side and avoid sticky, hard, very hot or very cold food.
Can you glue a crown back on at home?
Only for a short time, and only with temporary dental cement sold at pharmacies for this purpose. Clean out the inside of the crown, check it sits on the tooth the right way, then press it into place with a little cement and bite gently. It buys you a day or two until your appointment.
Don’t use super glue, household glue or denture adhesive. They can damage the tooth and the crown and make the dentist’s job harder. If the crown doesn’t sit properly, leave it out and bring it with you.
My filling or crown fell out but it doesn’t hurt. Do I still need a dentist?
Yes. The tooth underneath is softer and unprotected. Without its filling or crown it can decay quickly, break, or let bacteria reach the nerve, which can turn a simple repair into a root canal. If you have a gap, the teeth beside it can also start to shift.
How long can you wait to fix a lost filling or crown?
Aim to see a dentist within a few days. Book sooner if the tooth hurts, feels sharp, or the crown came off a tooth that’s had a root canal. If the tooth itself has broken, read about chipped and broken teeth.
Why do fillings and crowns come out?
- New decay underneath, which loosens the seal. See tooth decay.
- Grinding or clenching, often at night.
- Sticky or hard food, such as caramel, ice or nuts.
- Age. Cement and filling material wear over the years.
What your dentist will do
If the crown and the tooth underneath are sound, Dr. Ibrahim Sayeed can usually clean it and cement it back on. If there’s decay or the crown no longer fits, you’ll need a new filling or crown. If it was only a temporary crown, read what to do if a temporary crown falls off.
Lost filling and crown questions
Can I eat if my filling fell out?
Yes, but chew on the other side and avoid sticky, hard and very sweet food until it’s fixed.
What does it mean if the tooth is black under the filling?
It can be old filling material or staining, but it can also be decay. Have a dentist look at it soon.
Can a dentist reuse my old crown?
Often, yes, if the crown isn’t damaged and still fits the tooth well. Bring it to your appointment.
Lost a filling or crown? Call 845-336-5855 or book an appointment.
