A guide to the treatment
Lost filling or crown,
A filling or crown coming away is common and rarely urgent, though the exposed tooth is weaker until it is seen.
A filling or crown coming loose exposes the tooth beneath it, and that tooth is weaker and more sensitive without its usual covering. If the crown has come away whole, it is worth keeping and bringing along, since it may be suitable for re-cementing once the tooth underneath has been examined. Household adhesive is not appropriate for this repair; it damages both the tooth and the crown. Pharmacy dental cement offers short-term cover only. Until examined, avoid loading that side, and keep hot, cold and sticky foods aside.
Treatment study · Porcelain · 01Why it is done
Lost filling or crown
Protection restored sooner
A tooth left without its covering carries added risk from biting force and temperature, so a prompt examination limits how long that exposure continues.
A crown that may still serve
An intact crown, brought to the appointment, gives the dentist the option of re-cementing it once the tooth beneath has been checked.
The cause identified before the fix
Examination establishes why the restoration came away. Decay underneath is a common cause, and the finding decides what is placed next.
How it happens
A filling or crown coming away is common and rarely urgent, though the exposed tooth is weaker until it is seen.
Bring what remains
An intact crown or filling, kept safely, allows the option of reuse to be considered once the tooth is examined.
Examine
The exposed tooth and surrounding structure are checked for decay, fracture or other change. The examination establishes why the covering came away.
Advise
The plan, whether re-cementing the existing restoration or fitting something new, is set out before treatment proceeds.
Questions before a decision
This applies wherever a filling or crown has come loose, cracked, or come away entirely, regardless of how it happened.
What should be done immediately?
Keep the piece if intact, avoid chewing on that side, and contact the clinic. State whether the crown or filling is still available.
Can household adhesive be used as a repair?
No. It damages the tooth and the crown, and is unsuitable for this purpose. Pharmacy dental cement provides short-term cover only.
On what basis is the original crown reused?
Reuse depends on the state of the tooth underneath, confirmed once it has been examined.
Is this urgent?
Rarely, though the tooth is more vulnerable while uncovered. Avoid extremes of temperature and sticky food, and arrange to be seen without delay.
An assessment, first
Nothing proceeds until it has been examined properly.
Tell the team what has changed or what concerns you. Everything else, including whether treatment is even necessary, follows only after a proper look.
Arrange an appointment