A bite, an unexpected crunch, and a weird, foreign sensation in your mouth. You spit it out and—there it is. Part of your dental work gazing back at you. Panic sets in. Must you dash to the dentist? Will it hurt? Can it wait? A lost filling or crown isn’t only a nuisance—it leaves your tooth vulnerable to pain and harm. Although the repair should be done by a dentist, there are essential measures you can take to safeguard your tooth in the interim. Working quickly can mean a lot.

Why Fillings and Crowns Fall Out?

Dental restorations are long-lasting, but they are not indestructible. With time, wear and tear catch up. Some frequent causes of loosening or falling out of fillings or crowns are:

• Tooth decay under the restoration – If bacteria manage to find their way underneath a filling or crown, they loosen the bond, and the restoration comes loose.
• Chewing hard foods – Ice, nuts, or sticky sweets can dislodge a crown or fracture a filling.
• Grinding or clenching – Too much pressure over time will loosen restorations.
• Age of the restoration – Dental restorations are not permanent. Fillings and crowns wear out after a few years of service.
• Incorrect bonding – A filling or crown might not have been bonded correctly when it was placed.

A missing filling or dental crown, whatever the reason, leaves the sensitive inner tooth open to pain, infection, and additional damage.

What to Do Right After You Lose a Filling or Crown?

As soon as you notice something is gone, breathe. It’s not a big deal, but you have to do it quickly. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Locate the Lost Piece

If your crown came off, find it and put it away safely. Your dentist might be able to re-cement it in place. Rinse it gently with water but do not scrub it—any remaining adhesive might aid in re-bonding.

2. Rinse Your Mouth

Rinse carefully with warm salt water to remove debris and minimize the chances of infection. Avoid alcohol-containing mouthwash, which can irritate exposed nerve endings.

3. Protect the Tooth

With a lost filling or crown, inner tooth layers are exposed. To reduce pain:

• Apply dental wax or sugar-free gum over the exposed surface temporarily.
• Over-the-counter dental cement (at drugstores) may be able to keep a crown in position for a while.
• Clove oil on a cotton swab may ease any sensitivity.

4. Avoid Hard/Sticky Foods

Avoid foods that might make things worse until you visit a dentist

Skip hard or sticky foods.

• Hard foods – May break the temporary fix.
• Sticky or chewy foods – May pull off any temporary fix.
• Extreme temperatures – Hot or cold foods can cause sensitivity.

5. Handle Discomfort

If the exposed tooth hurts, take an over-the-counter painkiller as instructed. Don’t put aspirin on the tooth—it can irritate the gum tissue.

What NOT to Do

Some mistakes will worsen the condition. Don’t do the following:

• Don’t glue the crown back yourself. Home adhesives are not safe for your mouth.
• Don’t ignore it. Even though there is no pain now, an exposed tooth is at a very high risk for decay and breaking.
• Don’t chew on that side. More pressure can make the damage worse.

How a Dentist Fixes a Lost Filling or Crown?

When you arrive at the dental clinic, the dentist will examine the damage and determine the most appropriate treatment. Some of the possible treatments are:

• Reattaching the crown – If the dental crown is still whole and the tooth beneath is stable, it can usually be reattached.
• Replacing the filling – A new filling makes the tooth stronger again.
• Making a new crown – If the original crown has been damaged or the tooth is worn out, a new crown might be necessary.
• Surgery to consider an extraction – When decay reaches deep into the root, you might need more advanced treatment before getting a filling or crown.

It’s best to not put off care for long—timely treatment for your dental crown will stave off bigger (and more expensive) issues.

Lost a crown or filling? Don’t wait—your tooth is vulnerable. Our staff is available to assist with quick, expert care. Phone us now to set up an appointment and restore your smile.