Keep the area clean
Gently brush and rinse around the affected tooth so food and debris do not collect in the exposed area.
Emergency
Lost Filling or Crown Treatment
Protect the exposed tooth until it can be assessed.
When a filling falls out or a natural-tooth crown comes loose, the tooth beneath may be sensitive or vulnerable to fracture. A dentist can check whether it can be repaired, re-cemented or needs replacing.
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A lost filling or crown can leave the natural tooth exposed.
A filling can fall out when the material or surrounding tooth fractures. A natural-tooth crown may loosen because its cement fails, decay develops underneath or the supporting tooth changes or breaks.
Even without severe pain, the exposed tooth may be sensitive and less protected from contamination or further fracture. A dentist needs to check both the restoration and the tooth beneath it before deciding whether to replace, repair or re-cement it.
Common signs
Sensitivity to hot or cold
Exposed tooth tissue may react to temperature, sweet foods or air.
Pain when biting
Pressure may irritate the exposed surface or reveal damage beneath the restoration.
A rough or sharp surface
The remaining tooth or restoration may feel jagged against your tongue.
A visible gap or loose crown
You may see where material is missing or feel the crown moving.
Lost a filling or crown? Do these things now.
Until you can see a dentist, take simple steps to protect the affected tooth and preserve the restoration.
Avoid chewing on that side
Choose softer foods and avoid placing unnecessary pressure on the weakened tooth.
Keep the crown if you have it
Store a detached crown safely and bring it to your appointment; it may be suitable for re-cementation.
What to avoid
- Do not permanently glue a crown back into position yourself.
- Do not force a loose crown into place if it does not seat comfortably.
- Avoid hard, sticky, very hot or very cold foods if the tooth is sensitive.
When should you see an emergency dentist?
A missing restoration is not always extremely painful, but the tooth underneath can be vulnerable to further damage.
Severe or increasing pain
Persistent pain or sensitivity around the tooth should be assessed promptly.
Sharp or exposed tooth
A rough edge can injure your tongue or cheek and may indicate significant material loss.
Difficulty eating
Pain, movement or discomfort when biting suggests the tooth needs protection.
Swelling
Swelling around the tooth or gum can indicate infection and needs prompt care.
Not sure whether it can wait?
Our emergency dental team can help you understand whether you need to be seen urgently.
What happens if I leave it untreated?
A lost restoration can expose part of the underlying tooth. Without treatment, this may increase the risk of:
- further fracture or loss of tooth structure
- decay developing around the exposed area
- increased sensitivity or nerve inflammation
- bacterial contamination and infection
- eventually requiring more extensive treatment
Can a lost filling or crown be replaced?
The dentist will inspect the remaining tooth, check for decay or fracture and assess whether the bite contributed to the failure. A crown can only be re-cemented if it still fits and both it and the supporting tooth are suitable.
Filling replacement
A tooth that has lost a filling can be cleaned and restored where sufficient healthy structure remains.
- composite restoration
- temporary restoration
- alternative restorative materials where clinically appropriate
Crown restoration
If the crown and underlying tooth are suitable, the crown may be re-cemented. Otherwise, the tooth may need a temporary or replacement restoration.
- temporary crown placement
- re-cementation
- replacement crown
- additional treatment to the underlying tooth
Looking after the tooth afterwards
- Follow advice about chewing while temporary materials are present.
- Keep the restoration and gum margin clean.
- Return for definitive treatment if the emergency repair is temporary.
Reducing the chance of another failure
- Attend regular dental examinations.
- Maintain effective brushing and interdental cleaning.
- Avoid excessive pressure on restored teeth.
- Discuss grinding or clenching if restorations repeatedly fail.
Related emergency dental guidance
These pages explain closely related symptoms and treatments without replacing a dental assessment.
Common questions
Clear answers to questions patients often ask before an urgent dental assessment.
It can be urgent if the tooth is painful, sharp, badly broken or associated with swelling. Even without pain, arrange an assessment because the exposed tooth can fracture or decay further.
Sometimes. The crown must still fit and both it and the supporting tooth must be suitable. A dentist will clean and assess them before deciding whether re-cementation or a replacement is safer.
Keep the crown in a clean container and take it to your appointment. Do not use household glue or force it into place, and avoid chewing on the exposed tooth.
Choose soft foods and chew on the other side until the tooth is assessed. Avoid hard, sticky and very hot or cold foods if they cause pain or could damage the tooth further.
Loss of the restoration can expose dentine or an already inflamed tooth. Sensitivity does not show how serious the underlying problem is, so a dentist should check for decay, fracture and pulp involvement.
No. A natural-tooth crown sits over a prepared tooth, while an implant crown connects to a dental implant. The causes and repairs differ, so tell the clinic which type of restoration you have if you know.
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Other emergency dental problems we treat
Explore guidance for other common dental emergencies, including symptoms, what to do immediately and when to seek urgent dental care.
Swelling or dental abscess
Swelling, tenderness or a bad taste may indicate an infection that should be examined promptly.
Broken or chipped tooth
Assessment and repair options for a tooth damaged by an accident, impact or biting.
Toothache and severe tooth pain
Persistent, throbbing or night-time tooth pain needs assessment to identify its cause and urgency.
Wisdom tooth pain
Help for pain, swelling or infection around an emerging or impacted wisdom tooth.
Emergency tooth extraction
When a tooth cannot be restored, an urgent assessment can establish the safest next step.
Root canal treatment
Treatment may help relieve pain and address infection inside a damaged tooth.
Loose implant crown or lost veneer
Careful assessment distinguishes a loose implant restoration, a moving implant and a detached veneer.
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