My filling fell out or my crown came off: what should I do, and can I use a pharmacy kit?
If a filling has fallen out or a crown has come off, the first thing to do is keep the piece and see a dentist within a few days. Without pain, it isn't an emergency, but the exposed tooth is vulnerable to decay, fracture and sensitivity. If the crown is intact and the tooth underneath is suitable, it can often be re-cemented in the same visit.
What to do straight away
- If you haven't swallowed it, clean the piece, put it in a container and bring it to your appointment.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- If a sharp edge is cutting your tongue or cheek, cover it temporarily with orthodontic wax or sugar-free gum.
- Don't chew on that side; avoid very hot, very cold and sugary food.
- See a dentist within a few days, or the same day if you have sensitivity or pain.
Why do fillings and crowns fall out?
- New decay starting at the edge of the filling or crown
- Biting hard objects (ice, nuts in shells, pens) or sticky sweets
- Clenching and grinding at night: bruxism and night guards
- The cement wearing away over time
- A very large filling weakening the remaining walls of the tooth
Can I use a pharmacy dental cement?
Temporary filling materials and crown cements sold in pharmacies are a short-term fix for a few days until you see a dentist. Before refitting a crown, both the crown and the tooth need cleaning, and you must be sure it seats correctly; a crown that sits wrongly upsets your bite and irritates the gum.
Never use household superglue or similar products. They damage tissue, make it harder to re-cement the crown properly and seal in any decay underneath, letting it progress.
What happens at the clinic?
| Situation | Likely treatment |
|---|---|
| Small filling lost, tooth sound | A new white filling, usually in one visit |
| Large filling lost, tooth walls weak | An inlay, onlay or crown |
| Crown intact, tooth underneath healthy | Cleaning and re-cementing in the same visit |
| Decay under the crown | Treating the decay and usually a new crown |
| Root fractured along with the crown | Root canal treatment and a post, or extraction and an implant assessment |
We explain white fillings in dental fillings in Beylikdüzü and crown materials in types of dental crowns.
How long can I wait?
Without pain or sensitivity, booking within a few days is usually enough. Waiting for weeks, however, can lead to the exposed tooth decaying or fracturing, or the neighbouring teeth shifting. If a crown is left out for a long time, the tooth can move and the old crown may no longer fit.
If you have throbbing pain, swelling or pain that wakes you at night, the nerve may be involved; get seen the same day. Dent32 in Beylikdüzü is open every day, including weekends: +90 555 011 33 68.
Frequently asked questions
Can a crown that came off be put back?
If the crown is intact and the tooth underneath is healthy, it can often be cleaned and re-cemented in the same visit.
My filling fell out but it doesn't hurt. Is it urgent?
It isn't an emergency, but you should go within a few days. The exposed tooth is vulnerable to decay and fracture.
Can I stick my crown back with superglue?
No. Household glues damage tissue and make it harder to re-cement the crown properly.
I swallowed my filling. What happens?
Small pieces of filling usually pass through the digestive system without problems. If you're coughing or short of breath, see a doctor immediately.
My temporary crown fell off. What should I do?
Keep the temporary crown and contact the clinic. It's important that the tooth isn't left exposed while the permanent crown is being made.
