What to Do If a Dental Crown or Filling Falls Out
If a dental crown or filling falls out, keep the crown or any fragments, rinse your mouth gently with lukewarm water, avoid chewing on that side and arrange a dental assessment as soon as you can. A lost crown or filling is not usually an emergency, but the exposed tooth is more vulnerable to sensitivity, decay and fracture, so it should not be left for weeks.
Quick Steps If a Crown or Filling Falls Out
1. Keep the crown or any fragments somewhere clean and dry.
2. Rinse gently with lukewarm water and remove any loose debris.
3. Avoid chewing on that side, and avoid very hot, cold, sticky or hard foods.
4. Use over-the-counter pain relief only as directed on the label if you need it.
5. Contact a dentist promptly, and the same day if you have significant pain, swelling or a sharp edge.
What Should You Do Straight Away If a Crown or Filling Falls Out?
Check your mouth first. Note any pain, bleeding or sharp edges, and make sure you have not swallowed or inhaled anything. Then rinse gently and look for the crown or filling. The same steps apply if it happens at night: protect the tooth, avoid chewing on that side and contact a dentist when you can, unless your symptoms are urgent.
A lost crown and a lost filling are different problems, which affects what happens next.
If a Dental Crown Comes Off
A crown is a cap that covers the whole visible part of a tooth. When it comes off, you are left with the prepared tooth underneath, which can feel small, rough or sensitive to air and temperature. The crown often comes off in one piece, sometimes with old cement inside. The tooth underneath still needs assessment, because a crown usually loosens for a reason, such as decay, a crack or worn cement.
If a Filling Falls Out
A filling replaces part of a tooth damaged by decay or a fracture. When one falls out, you will usually notice a hole or rough patch that traps food or catches your tongue. A lost filling can cause pain or sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet food or biting, but it may also feel painless. A painless tooth still needs checking, because the exposed area is open to decay.
What Should You Do With a Crown or Filling You Recover?
Keep it. Rinse it gently, let it dry and store it in a small clean container or bag. Do not scrub it hard or force it back onto the tooth, because forcing a crown can fracture the tooth. Bring it to your appointment.
A dentist can check whether a recovered crown is intact and whether it may be re-cemented. That depends on the crown’s condition and the health of the tooth underneath, so it is never guaranteed. A fallen-out filling is usually replaced rather than reused, though bringing any fragments can help.
What Should You Avoid Until the Tooth Is Assessed?
• Avoid chewing on the affected side, so you do not fracture the exposed tooth.
• Skip hard, sticky or chewy foods such as nuts, toffee and crusty bread.
• Go easy on very hot, cold or sugary food and drinks if the tooth is sensitive.
• Do not use household glue or try to repair the tooth yourself.
• Do not ignore it because it does not hurt.
Keep brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, taking care around the exposed tooth and any sharp edge. If the tooth is sensitive, a sensitive-teeth toothpaste applied to the tooth may help.
Can You Temporarily Protect the Exposed Tooth?
Sometimes, but only briefly. If a sharp edge is catching your tongue, dental wax from a pharmacy can cushion it. Pharmacies also stock temporary filling material and temporary dental cement. Some health services advise that a crown which fits comfortably without force can be re-seated with pharmacy cement until you see a dentist.
These products have limits. They are not designed to last, they may not seat properly, and a crown that does not sit fully can trap bacteria or affect your bite. If a crown will not go back easily, do not force it. Ask a pharmacist or dentist before using any temporary product, and never treat it as a substitute for assessment.
Is a Lost Crown or Filling a Dental Emergency?
Usually not, but urgency depends on your symptoms. Contact a dentist the same day if you have significant pain, a sharp edge cutting your tongue or cheek, a tooth that feels cracked, or pain when biting. Without these signs, book as soon as you can rather than waiting.
Seek urgent medical or dental attention, and call 111 if the situation is severe, when you have:
• facial or mouth swelling that is spreading
• swelling with a fever
• bleeding you cannot control
• difficulty swallowing or breathing
If part of the tooth itself has chipped or broken away, see our advice for a broken tooth or damaged filling. If you are in pain or unsure how urgent it is, our page on emergency dental care in Auckland explains how to reach a clinic.
What If You Swallow a Dental Crown or Filling?
A swallowed crown or filling usually passes through the digestive system without harm, but tell your dentist and do not try to make yourself vomit. If you have abdominal pain, vomiting or difficulty swallowing, call your GP or Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice. If you are coughing, choking or struggling to breathe, it may have gone into your airway rather than your stomach. Call 111 immediately.
What Will a Dentist Do About a Lost Crown or Filling?
Your dentist will examine the tooth, usually take an X-ray and check for decay, cracks or gum problems before recommending treatment.
For a lost crown, options typically include:
• re-cementing the original crown, if it is intact and fits well and the tooth is sound
• making a new crown, either a one-visit CEREC crown or a lab-made crown where suitable (see our dental crown treatment options)
• additional treatment first if the tooth is badly decayed or fractured
For a lost filling, the dentist will clean the tooth, remove any decay and place a new filling. Materials include composite, ceramic, gold and glass ionomer, as explained in our guide to dental filling treatment. Sometimes a temporary restoration is placed first.
Treatment depends on the tooth, and your dentist can explain the options and costs after assessment. You can also read about dental crown costs in New Zealand.
How Can You Reduce the Risk of It Happening Again?
• Keep regular check-ups, so worn or leaking crowns and fillings are caught early.
• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss around restorations.
• Avoid chewing ice, hard lollies or using your teeth to open packaging.
• Tell your dentist if you grind your teeth or play contact sport.
• Book early if a crown feels loose or a filling feels rough or sensitive.
When Should You Contact Auckland Family Dental?
Contact us as soon as you notice a crown or filling has come out, rather than waiting for pain. Our dentists can assess the tooth and discuss whether to re-cement, repair or replace the restoration. You can book a dental appointment online or call 0800 282 569.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my dental crown falls out?
Keep the crown, rinse your mouth gently, avoid chewing on that side and book a dental assessment promptly. Do not use household glue.
What should I do if my tooth filling falls out?
Rinse gently, avoid chewing on that side and arrange a dentist visit. Even a painless tooth is exposed to decay.
Is a lost dental crown a dental emergency?
Not usually. It becomes urgent with severe pain, spreading swelling, fever, uncontrolled bleeding or difficulty swallowing or breathing. Otherwise, arrange an appointment as soon as possible.
Can I eat if my filling has fallen out?
Yes, but chew on the other side and avoid hard, sticky, very hot, cold or sugary foods.
Can I brush my teeth after a filling falls out?
Yes. Brush gently around the area with fluoride toothpaste.
How long can I leave a tooth without a filling?
No safe waiting time can be given, because it depends on the tooth. Arrange an assessment as soon as you can.
Can a dentist put a fallen-out crown back on?
Sometimes. Re-cementing depends on whether the crown is intact and the tooth underneath is sound. A new crown may be needed.
What should I do if I swallow a dental crown?
Do not induce vomiting. Tell your dentist, and seek medical advice if you have pain or difficulty swallowing. Call 111 if you are choking or struggling to breathe.
