Crown Fell Off or Lost a Filling?
If your crown came off or a filling fell out, call (310) 926-6825. Our phone is answered 24/7. Keep the crown if you have it, and avoid chewing on that side. We’ll tell you what to do right now and get you scheduled. How soon you’re seen depends on how severe it is.
What to do right now
- Take the crown or filling out of your mouth so you don’t swallow it.
- Keep the crown safe in a small container or sealed bag and bring it with you. It can sometimes be put back on.
- Don’t bite hard food on that tooth, and chew on the other side.
- Avoid very hot or very cold food and drinks if the tooth is sensitive.
- Keep brushing, gently, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth, dabbed on the tooth with a clean finger, can help with sensitivity.
- Don’t glue it back on with superglue or any household adhesive. It can damage the tooth and the crown.
Is a lost crown or filling an emergency?
It’s not usually dangerous, but it does need a dentist. The tooth underneath is now unprotected, so it can become sensitive, decay further, or break.
Call us today if:
- The tooth hurts, especially if the pain is getting worse
- Part of the tooth broke off with the crown or filling
- There’s a sharp edge cutting your tongue or cheek
- Your gum is swollen around the tooth
Pain from a lost filling is handled the same way as any severe toothache until you’re seen.
When to go to the ER instead
A lost crown or filling on its own isn’t an ER problem. Go to a hospital emergency room, or call 911, if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or a fever with swelling in your face and you can’t reach a dentist. For everything else, call us first.
My crown fell off but it doesn't hurt
It still needs fixing. If the tooth had a root canal before it was crowned, the nerve was removed, so there’s nothing left to feel pain. The tooth is still exposed and can decay or crack without warning.
Why crowns and fillings come loose
A crown covers and protects a weak, broken or heavily filled tooth. Crowns and fillings can come loose when:
- New decay forms underneath and weakens the tooth
- The cement holding the crown wears down over the years
- You bite something hard, sticky or chewy
- You grind or clench your teeth
Finding out why it came off matters, because putting the same crown back on a tooth with decay underneath won’t last.
What the dentist will do
Our dentist checks the tooth and the crown or filling, usually with an X-ray, and explains the options before starting. Depending on what’s found, that might be:
- Putting the same crown back on, if the crown and the tooth are both in good shape
- A temporary filling or crown to protect the tooth first
- A new filling or crown, if the old one is damaged or the tooth has changed
- An emergency root canal or removing the tooth, if the tooth is infected or can’t be repaired
Our office makes crowns in house, so a permanent crown can be made the same day as your visit.
How much does it cost?
It depends on what the tooth needs. Re-attaching your own crown is usually a much smaller job than making a new one, which is why it’s worth keeping the crown and bringing it in. You’ll know the plan before treatment starts.
- Insurance: we accept PPO plans, including Aetna, Assurant, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian Direct, Humana and MetLife.
- Payment: cash, check, credit and debit cards, plus financing through Cherry, CareCredit and LendingClub.
- No insurance: ask about our in-office dental plan.
Lost crown and filling questions
Is a crown falling out an emergency?
It's urgent but not usually dangerous. The tooth underneath is unprotected, so have it seen soon. Call today if it hurts, if part of the tooth broke off, or if your gum is swollen. Call (310) 926-6825.
Can my crown be put back on?
Often, if the crown isn't damaged and the tooth underneath is healthy. Keep the crown in a small container and bring it with you so the dentist can check it.
My crown fell out but it doesn't hurt. Is that bad?
It still needs fixing. If the tooth had a root canal, the nerve was removed, so it may not hurt even though the exposed tooth can still decay or break.
Can I glue my crown back on myself?
Don't use superglue or household glue. It can damage the tooth and the crown and make it harder to fix. Keep the crown safe and call us instead.
What should I do if I lost a filling?
Keep the tooth clean by brushing gently, avoid biting hard food on that side, and avoid very hot or cold drinks if it's sensitive. Then call us to get the tooth checked and refilled.
Why did my crown fall off?
Common reasons are new decay under the crown, cement wearing down over time, biting something hard or sticky, and grinding your teeth. The dentist will check for the cause so the fix lasts.
Do you take insurance for a lost crown?
We accept PPO plans, including Aetna, Assurant, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian Direct, Humana and MetLife. We also offer financing and an in-office plan for patients without insurance.
Get your tooth protected
Call (310) 926-6825. Our phone is answered 24/7, and we’ll tell you what to do right now and get you scheduled. You can also request an appointment online.
Our office is at 2511 Artesia Blvd A in Redondo Beach, close to Torrance, Hawthorne, Gardena and Manhattan Beach, with a parking lot on site.