Cal Dental Group · Patient guide
Lost Filling or Dental Crown: What to Do Next
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Michael Issakharian, DDS
If a filling or crown falls out, contact a dentist, protect the affected tooth, and bring the restoration if you have it. Avoid chewing on that side. Do not use household glue or force a crown back into place.
Call to confirm an appointment before visiting.
936 Crenshaw Blvd, Suite 101 · Los Angeles, CA 90019
Medical emergency? Call 911 for trouble breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a life-threatening injury. Difficulty swallowing or swelling spreading toward the eye or neck needs emergency medical care. Do not wait for a dental appointment.
When a restoration comes loose
A missing filling or crown can leave a tooth feeling sharp, sensitive, or different when you bite. The next step is to find out what happened underneath the restoration and how soon it needs attention. Call 323-934-2804 for Cal Dental Group’s emergency dental service in Los Angeles, especially if you also have pain or swelling.
What to do first
- Keep a recovered crown or filling in a clean container and bring it with you.
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth and be gentle when cleaning the area.
- Tell the office whether the tooth hurts, feels sharp, or has broken along with the restoration.
- Ask for advice before attempting a temporary repair.
Do not use superglue, scrape the tooth, or force a restoration back onto it. A loose crown can be swallowed or inhaled. If a piece appears to have been inhaled or you have trouble breathing, seek emergency medical care.
Does it need an emergency appointment?
Call promptly to discuss timing. Severe or increasing pain, swelling, bleeding, or an injury should be reported immediately. A comfortable tooth still needs assessment; do not use the absence of pain as a reason to leave it untreated indefinitely. The team can help you arrange the appropriate next visit after hearing your symptoms.
Why the dentist examines the tooth underneath
The dentist checks whether the restoration is intact, whether the tooth is damaged, and whether the bite or surrounding tissues need attention. Bring up any recent dental work and say whether this is a temporary or permanent restoration. If another office placed it, let the team know when it was fitted and what follow-up was planned.
Can the same crown be used again?
Sometimes a crown can be recemented, but only after checking its fit and the tooth. Other situations require a new dental crown or treatment of the remaining tooth before restoration. A lost filling may also require a different repair if the defect has changed. An examination is needed before the office can give a reliable treatment plan.
Before leaving your appointment
Ask whether the restoration is temporary, when you can chew normally, how to clean around it, and whether another visit is required. Request an estimate for the proposed repair and ask how insurance or payment arrangements apply. Keep any planned follow-up even if the tooth feels comfortable.
If a piece of the natural tooth broke as well, read our broken tooth guide. If pain or swelling is your main concern, our toothache and abscess guides explain what to report when you call.
Your next step
Arrange a dental assessment
Call 323-934-2804 and describe your symptoms, when they began, and any recent treatment or injury.
Emergency dentistry in Los Angeles →
Same-day and after-hours appointments depend on availability. Follow the telephone instructions if you call outside regular hours.
Questions about lost fillings & crowns
Can I use temporary dental cement from a pharmacy?
Ask the dental team whether a temporary product is appropriate for your situation and follow its instructions if advised. It is not a substitute for a dental assessment. Never use household glue.
What if my temporary crown falls off?
Contact the dentist who is managing the treatment as soon as possible. Mention when the crown was placed and when your next visit is scheduled.
Can you tell me the repair cost by phone?
The office can explain appointment fees and payment questions, but the repair needed depends on the examination. Ask for an estimate before agreeing to treatment.
Explore related concerns
More emergency dental guides
Patient education from Cal Dental Group. Updated October 21, 2026. Meet our dentists and specialists.
General information cannot diagnose a dental problem or replace an examination. Follow instructions from your treating clinician.
Further reading: Cleveland Clinic: lost or broken dental restorations
Need help with an urgent dental concern?
Call Cal Dental Group to discuss symptoms and confirm the next available appointment.