“Losing a filling or crown is one of the most common dental emergencies we see—and it always happens at the worst time.”
Whether it comes out while you’re eating dinner, brushing your teeth, or just talking, it can feel scary and uncomfortable. At Laguna Heights Dental, we want you to know that a lost filling or crown isn’t the end of the world—but it’s not something to ignore either. With the right steps and a prompt visit to your dentist, you can get your tooth repaired safely and comfortably.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do if a filling or crown falls out, how to protect the area in the meantime, and why getting it fixed quickly is so important.
What Happens When a Filling or Crown Falls Out?
Fillings and crowns don’t just fall out for no reason. Usually, it means something underneath has changed. Maybe the tooth has decayed, the restoration loosened over time, or the bonding material failed. In some cases, it’s from biting something hard or grinding your teeth at night without a guard.
When a filling or crown is lost, the inside of the tooth is suddenly exposed. That can lead to sharp sensitivity, pain when chewing, or even signs of infection. The tooth is also more vulnerable to cracking or further damage without its protective cover.
First Steps: What You Should Do Right Away
Stay calm. It might feel alarming, but you’ve got options—and help is just a call away. Your next steps will help minimize pain and prevent more damage before you get to the dentist.
Start by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. This helps remove debris and reduces the risk of infection. If you can find the crown or filling, keep it clean and safe. Store it in a small plastic container or a sealed bag.
Avoid chewing on the affected side. Stick to soft foods and lukewarm drinks until the tooth is treated. If the tooth is sharp or painful, you can cover it with a small piece of sugar-free gum, orthodontic wax, or temporary dental cement (available at most pharmacies).
When Is It Considered a Dental Emergency?
If you’re in pain or the tooth feels extremely sensitive, don’t wait. This is a dental emergency. A lost crown or filling may leave the nerve exposed, leading to swelling, inflammation, or infection. Even if there’s no pain, delaying treatment could cause more serious damage to the tooth structure.
Call Laguna Heights Dental as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to get you in quickly—often the same day. Our goal is to relieve discomfort and save your tooth from further harm.
Can You Reuse the Filling or Crown?
In some cases, yes! If you saved the crown and it’s in good condition, we may be able to re-cement it. We’ll examine both the crown and the tooth to make sure everything still fits properly. If decay or damage has changed the tooth’s shape, we may need to create a new crown.
Fillings usually can’t be reused. But we’ll place a strong, new restoration and check for any other weak spots in nearby teeth. Every case is different, but we always aim for the least invasive, most comfortable solution.
How We Treat a Lost Filling or Crown
When you come in, we’ll start with an exam and digital X-rays to assess the tooth and surrounding structure. We’ll clean the area and remove any debris or decay. If the crown is reusable, we’ll sanitize and re-bond it in place.
If the crown or filling can’t be reused, we’ll rebuild the tooth with a new custom restoration. We’ll also check the bite to ensure proper alignment and comfort. In some cases, we may recommend a nightguard if grinding contributed to the issue.
No matter what, we’ll explain your options, answer questions, and make sure you feel confident in the next steps.
How to Prevent It From Happening Again
The best way to avoid losing another crown or filling? Good habits and regular checkups. Many restorations fail because of wear, tooth decay, or missed early warning signs.
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup around restorations. Avoid chewing hard objects like ice, pens, or sticky candies. If you clench or grind your teeth, a nightguard can help protect both your natural teeth and your dental work.
Most importantly, come in for routine exams every six months. We’ll spot loose crowns or aging fillings before they become emergencies.
Why Quick Action Matters
Even if the tooth doesn’t hurt, don’t put off care. A lost filling or crown is like a door left open—it leaves your tooth exposed to the elements. Waiting can turn a simple repair into something more complex, like a root canal or extraction.
Prompt care helps preserve your natural tooth and avoid bigger problems. Our Laguna Niguel team is ready to help, and we’ll make sure your visit is as quick and stress-free as possible.
Let’s Get You Comfortable Again
Tooth troubles happen—but they don’t have to derail your day. If you’ve lost a crown or filling, we’re here to help you through it.
Call Laguna Heights Dental to schedule an appointment. We’ll repair your tooth, ease the discomfort, and get your smile back to feeling normal again.
Schedule your consultation Today!
Laguna Heights Dental
28202 Cabot Rd, Suite 600
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 363-1200
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Questions Patients Ask
Can I eat if I’ve lost a crown or filling, or should I wait?
You can eat, but you need to be cautious. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs. Avoid chewing on the side of the lost filling or crown to prevent additional damage. Also, skip hot, cold, or sugary items that could irritate the exposed area. Until the tooth is repaired, treat it gently and call us as soon as possible to get it checked.
What if my temporary crown falls out before my follow-up appointment?
If a temporary crown comes off, try to gently clean it and keep it in a safe container. You can reattach it temporarily using dental cement from a pharmacy—but never use glue or household adhesives. If you’re unable to replace it yourself or if it won’t stay in place, call us. We’ll get you in quickly to secure it until your permanent crown is ready.
Are there warning signs before a crown or filling comes loose?
Yes, often there are subtle signs that a crown or filling is failing. You might notice sensitivity to temperature or pressure, a rough edge on the tooth, or a feeling like something is shifting when you bite. If food starts getting stuck in that area or you hear a “clicking” sound while chewing, it’s time to call us. Catching a loose filling or crown early can help avoid a full emergency.
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