Lost filling or crown · Step by step · Free
A filling or crown came out. Now what?
It is rarely an emergency, but it is always a reason to call the dentist. Pick what happened and follow the steps in order.
What happened?
Choose the closest match to see what to do, in order.
Stopgaps only · The tooth still needs a dentist · Emergency → 911
How long it can wait
Days, not weeks
A tooth that has lost its filling or crown is not sealed. Bacteria and food get into the open tooth, the remaining walls are thinner and can break, and a tooth prepared for a crown can drift so the crown no longer fits. None of that happens overnight, but all of it gets worse with time, and no waiting period is known to be safe.
Book the first appointment you are offered. If you have pain, swelling, a fever or a broken tooth, say so when you call: those change it to a same-day visit.
Table 1 — Things not to do
Common mistakes
| Household glue | Not made for the mouth, and it can make a proper repair harder or impossible. |
| Leaving a loose bridge or crown in place | It traps food, decays underneath, and can be swallowed or inhaled. |
| Chewing on the open tooth | The walls left behind are thin and break easily. |
| Treating a stopgap as a fix | Temporary cement and filling kits are for a few days at most, and never when there is pain or swelling. |
Common questions
- What should I do if my filling fell out?
- Take the piece out of your mouth, call your dentist for the first available appointment, keep the tooth clean, and chew on the other side. If a sharp edge is cutting you, cover it with dental wax. See a dentist the same day if there is strong pain, swelling, or a broken tooth.
- Can I glue my crown back on?
- Not with household glue. Over-the-counter temporary dental cement can hold a crown for a few days if your dentist agrees and the tooth is not painful, swollen or broken, following the product instructions. The crown still needs to be cleaned and re-cemented properly by a dentist.
- How long can I leave a lost filling?
- There is no period that is known to be safe. The open tooth is exposed to decay and can break further, so take the first appointment you can get, usually within a few days, and sooner if it hurts.
General information · Not dental advice
These steps protect the tooth until you are seen. They do not repair it. We always recommend seeing a dentist. Nothing on this site can examine your mouth or tell you what is wrong. If something hurts, looks wrong, or worries you, book an exam, and go sooner if it is getting worse.
Emergency? If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling that is spreading toward your eye or neck, a fever with facial swelling, or bleeding that will not stop, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Full disclaimer
About this tool
This tool gives general, educational information only. It does not know your health history, has not examined you, and cannot diagnose anything or tell you what treatment you need. Use it to prepare for a conversation with your dentist, not to replace one.
Medical disclaimer
The information provided on Urgent Dental Helper is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Urgent Dental Helper is not a dental practice, and nothing here has examined your mouth. Always see a licensed dentist, physician, or other qualified health provider in person about any dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or any result you received on this website.