My crown or filling has come out: what should I do?
Keep the crown, avoid chewing on that side and contact the practice. An intact crown can often be re-cemented. Do not stick it back with household glue.
Dental emergencies
A crown can come loose over time, sometimes because the tooth underneath has decayed. A filling can also come away or break. In both cases, the tooth becomes more sensitive and more fragile.
Put the crown in a small clean container and bring it to your appointment. Avoid chewing on the side concerned, particularly hard or sticky foods, and brush the area gently. Sensitivity to cold or sugar is common.
Never use strong glue or household glue: it could damage the tooth and prevent the crown from being re-cemented properly. Some pharmacies sell temporary pastes, to be used only as a stopgap.
The dentist examines the tooth and the crown, checks that there is no decay, then re-cements it or proposes a new restoration. If you have swelling spreading towards the eye or neck, a fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or bleeding that will not stop, go to the hospital emergency department.
This is a general answer. Only a consultation at the practice can tell what suits your situation.
Other questions in this section
- I have an abscess or a swollen cheek: what should I do?
- I have broken a tooth: what should I do?
- A tooth has come out after a knock: what should I do?
- My temporary crown has come off: is it serious?
- I am still in pain several days after an extraction: is that normal?
- I have severe toothache at night: how can I relieve it?
- The treatment in detail : Dental emergency
- See the whole section
- All frequently asked questions