Losing a filling or crown can feel alarming, especially if the tooth suddenly feels sharp, sensitive or weak. You may notice a hole in the tooth, a strange taste, pain when biting, or a crown coming loose while eating. Sometimes there is no pain at all, but the tooth still needs attention.
A lost filling or crown is common, but it should not be ignored. The tooth underneath may be exposed to bacteria, temperature changes, food packing and further fracture. A dentist may be able to replace the filling, recement the crown, make a new crown, repair decay, or treat the nerve if the tooth has become infected.
This guide explains what to do straight away if you lose a filling or crown, when it is urgent, what temporary measures may help, what dentists do to repair it, NHS and private costs in the UK, and how to reduce the risk of it happening again.
If the tooth has also chipped, cracked or broken, read our related guide: Broken Tooth: What to Do. You may also find our guides to toothache, dental emergencies, dental crowns, root canal treatment and private dentist prices in the UK useful.
Quick summary
- If you lose a filling or crown, arrange to see a dentist.
- If you still have the crown, keep it safe and take it with you. NHS 111 Wales advises keeping a lost crown safe and taking it to the dentist.
- Do not use superglue, nail glue or household glue to stick a crown back on.
- A pharmacy temporary filling or dental cement kit may protect the tooth for a short time, but it is not a permanent repair.
- Seek urgent dental help if you have severe pain, swelling, fever, bleeding, trauma, bad taste, pus, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
- A lost filling may need a new filling, onlay, crown or root canal treatment, depending on the tooth.
- A lost crown may be recemented if the tooth and crown are sound, but decay or fracture may mean a new crown is needed.
- In England, NHS urgent dental treatment is £27.90 from 1 April 2026; Band 2 is £76.60 and Band 3 is £332.10.
- Some NHS fillings, root fillings, inlays, onlays and crowns are guaranteed for 12 months if they need repair or replacement.
What to do straight away if a filling falls out
A lost filling leaves part of the tooth exposed. It may feel like a hole, rough edge or sharp area. You may also notice sensitivity to cold, sweetness, air or biting.
1. Keep the area clean
Rinse gently with warm water to remove food debris. Continue brushing, but be careful around the exposed tooth if it is sensitive.
2. Avoid chewing on that side
A tooth that has lost a filling may be weaker than it feels. Chewing hard foods on it can cause more tooth to break.
3. Protect sharp edges
If the tooth is cutting your tongue or cheek, you can use orthodontic wax, sugar-free chewing gum or temporary dental repair material from a pharmacy as a short-term cover.
4. Use temporary filling material if needed
Temporary dental repair kits are available from many pharmacies. They may help cover the hole until you see a dentist. Follow the instructions carefully and remember that this is only temporary.
5. Contact a dentist
Even if it does not hurt, a lost filling should be checked. There may be decay underneath, a crack, or too little tooth left for another simple filling.
What to do straight away if a crown falls off
A crown is a custom-made cap that covers a tooth. If it comes off, the tooth underneath may look small, rough or oddly shaped. It may be sensitive, especially to cold air or drinks.
1. Find and keep the crown
If you still have the crown, keep it safe and take it to the dentist. NHS 111 Wales advises patients who have lost a crown to keep it safe and bring it to the dentist. NHS 111 Wales has guidance on lost fillings and crowns.
2. Do not use household glue
Do not use superglue, nail glue, craft glue or any household adhesive in your mouth. These products are not safe for oral tissues, can damage the tooth and crown, and can make professional repair harder.
3. Avoid chewing on the tooth
The prepared tooth underneath the crown may be fragile. Avoid chewing on it until a dentist has checked it.
4. Use temporary dental cement only as a short-term measure
Some pharmacies sell temporary crown cement. This may help hold the crown or protect the tooth briefly, but it is not a proper repair. Use only as directed and still arrange a dental appointment.
5. See a dentist
A dentist needs to check why the crown came off. Sometimes it can simply be recemented. Other times, decay, fracture, poor fit or bite forces mean more treatment is needed.
When is a lost filling or crown urgent?
A lost filling or crown is not always an emergency, but it can become urgent depending on symptoms and cause.
Seek urgent dental advice if you have:
- Severe tooth pain.
- Swelling of the gum, cheek, jaw or face.
- Fever or feeling unwell.
- Pus, bad taste or signs of infection.
- Bleeding that does not stop.
- A tooth broken after trauma or injury.
- A crown or filling lost from a tooth that now feels loose or cracked.
- Visible red or pink tissue inside the tooth.
- Pain when biting that is worsening.
- Difficulty opening your mouth.
- Difficulty swallowing.
Call 999 or go to emergency care if swelling affects breathing or swallowing, if there is serious facial trauma, or if symptoms feel life-threatening.
If you cannot access a dentist and need urgent advice, use NHS 111.
Can you wait if a filling or crown falls out but there is no pain?
You may not need same-day emergency treatment if there is no pain, swelling or trauma, but you should still book a dental appointment. A painless tooth can still have decay, a crack or exposed dentine.
Waiting too long can lead to:
- More decay.
- Tooth sensitivity.
- Further fracture.
- Food trapping.
- Gum irritation.
- Infection.
- The tooth becoming harder or more expensive to restore.
Why do fillings fall out?
Fillings can fail for many reasons. Sometimes the filling itself breaks. Sometimes the tooth around it breaks. Sometimes decay develops underneath.
Common reasons include:
- New decay around or under the filling.
- A large old filling reaching the end of its life.
- Cracks in the tooth.
- Biting hard food.
- Grinding or clenching.
- Weak remaining tooth structure.
- Moisture contamination when the filling was placed.
- Wear and tear over time.
- A temporary filling wearing away.
If a filling repeatedly falls out, the tooth may need a different type of restoration, such as an onlay or crown.
Why do crowns fall off?
Crowns can come off because the cement fails, but there is often an underlying reason.
Common causes include:
- Decay under the crown.
- Not enough natural tooth left to hold the crown.
- A short or heavily broken-down tooth.
- Grinding or clenching.
- A high bite putting pressure on the crown.
- Old cement washing out.
- Fracture of the tooth underneath.
- Damage to the crown.
- Sticky foods pulling the crown off.
If the crown simply debonded and everything is healthy, recementing may be straightforward. If the tooth underneath is decayed or broken, recementing may not be safe or long-lasting.
Can a lost crown be put back on?
Sometimes, yes. A dentist may be able to recement the crown if:
- The crown is intact.
- The tooth underneath is not decayed.
- The tooth has not fractured.
- The crown still fits properly.
- The bite is acceptable.
- There is enough tooth structure to retain it.
A dentist may not recement the crown if there is decay, a broken tooth, poor fit, a cracked root or a high risk of it falling off again.
Can a lost filling be replaced?
Often, yes. A lost filling can usually be replaced if enough healthy tooth remains. The dentist will remove decay or weak material, clean the cavity and place a new filling.
If the hole is large or the tooth is cracked, a simple replacement filling may not be strong enough. In that case, an onlay, crown or root canal treatment may be discussed.
What if the tooth broke when the filling or crown came out?
If tooth has broken away as well, the treatment depends on how much tooth is left and whether the nerve is involved.
Possible treatments include:
- Smoothing a sharp edge.
- A new filling.
- Composite bonding.
- An onlay or inlay.
- A new crown.
- Root canal treatment.
- Extraction if the tooth cannot be saved.
Read more in our guide: Broken Tooth: What to Do.
Can a lost filling or crown cause infection?
Yes. If the tooth is exposed, bacteria can enter the tooth or collect around the edges. This can lead to tooth decay, nerve inflammation or a dental abscess.
Warning signs of infection include:
- Throbbing pain.
- Swelling.
- Bad taste.
- Pus.
- Fever.
- Pain when biting.
- A gum boil or pimple-like swelling.
- Tooth darkening.
If you notice swelling, fever or spreading pain, seek urgent dental advice.
Can you use a temporary filling kit?
Temporary filling kits can be useful for protecting a tooth for a short time, especially if the tooth has a hole or sharp edge and you cannot see a dentist immediately.
They may help:
- Cover exposed dentine.
- Reduce sensitivity.
- Stop food packing into the hole.
- Smooth a rough edge temporarily.
But they are not a substitute for dental treatment. They may fall out, leak, hide decay or delay proper care if you rely on them too long.
Can you use temporary crown cement?
Temporary crown cement from a pharmacy may help in some cases if a crown has come off and the tooth is sensitive. However, it should be used carefully and only as a temporary measure.
Do not recement the crown if:
- You are not sure which way it fits.
- The crown does not seat fully.
- Your bite feels high when it is in place.
- The tooth is very painful.
- The crown or tooth looks broken.
- There is swelling, pus or bad taste.
- You might swallow or inhale the crown if it comes loose.
If the crown feels wrong or high, remove it and keep it safe. See a dentist.
What not to do with a lost filling or crown
Some DIY approaches can make the problem worse.
- Do not use superglue, nail glue or household glue.
- Do not ignore it because there is no pain.
- Do not chew hard foods on the tooth.
- Do not pick at the hole with pins, toothpicks or sharp objects.
- Do not place aspirin directly on the gum or tooth.
- Do not force a crown back on if it does not fit easily.
- Do not assume antibiotics will fix the problem.
- Do not wait for swelling to become severe before asking for help.
How dentists fix a lost filling
The dentist will examine the tooth, check for decay and cracks, and may take an X-ray. Treatment depends on what they find.
New filling
If enough tooth remains and there is no major crack or nerve problem, the dentist may place a new filling. This may be white composite or another suitable material.
Larger restoration
If the lost filling was large, the tooth may now be too weak for another filling. The dentist may recommend an onlay or crown to protect the tooth.
Root canal treatment
If decay or damage has reached the nerve, root canal treatment may be needed before the tooth can be restored.
Extraction
If the tooth is too broken, decayed or cracked to save, extraction may be recommended. Replacement options may include a denture, bridge or implant.
How dentists fix a lost crown
The dentist will check both the crown and the tooth underneath.
Recementing the crown
If the crown and tooth are sound, the dentist may clean them and recement the crown.
Repairing the tooth first
If some tooth has broken or decay is present, the dentist may need to rebuild the tooth before placing a crown.
Making a new crown
If the crown no longer fits or is damaged, a new crown may be needed.
Root canal treatment
If the tooth has become infected or the nerve is affected, root canal treatment may be needed before a new crown is fitted.
Extraction
If the tooth has fractured below the gum or there is not enough structure left to restore it, extraction may be the safest option.
Will a lost filling or crown need root canal treatment?
Not always. Root canal treatment is usually only needed if the nerve inside the tooth is infected, exposed or irreversibly inflamed.
Signs that root canal treatment may be needed include:
- Spontaneous throbbing pain.
- Pain waking you at night.
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold.
- Swelling or pus.
- Pain on biting.
- A darkened tooth.
- Deep decay under the lost filling or crown.
Read more: Root Canal Treatment Explained.
Will a lost filling or crown need extraction?
Extraction is usually considered only if the tooth cannot be restored predictably.
This may happen if:
- The tooth has cracked below the gumline.
- There is severe decay under the crown or filling.
- There is not enough tooth left to hold a crown.
- The root is fractured.
- Gum support is poor.
- Repeated repairs have failed.
If extraction is recommended, ask whether the tooth can be saved and what replacement options are available.
NHS treatment for lost fillings and crowns
NHS dental treatment may be available for lost fillings and crowns when clinically necessary. In England, the cost depends on the treatment needed. The NHS lists charges from 1 April 2026 as Band 1 £27.90, Band 2 £76.60, Band 3 £332.10 and urgent dental treatment £27.90. The dental professional should tell you the cost before treatment starts. You can check current NHS dental treatment costs here.
As a general guide:
- Urgent treatment: may cover temporary treatment to relieve pain or address immediate problems.
- Band 2: includes fillings, root canal treatment and extractions.
- Band 3: includes crowns, dentures and bridges.
NHS Business Services Authority explains that some NHS dental treatments are guaranteed for 12 months, including fillings, root fillings, inlays, onlays and crowns. If they need repair or replacement within 12 months of being fitted, you may not be charged, including if the item has been lost. You can read the NHSBSA guidance on guaranteed NHS dental items here.
Private costs for lost fillings and crowns in the UK
Private costs vary depending on the tooth, clinic, location and treatment needed.
| Treatment | Typical private UK cost range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency appointment | Approximately £60 to £200+ | X-rays or treatment may cost extra. |
| Temporary filling or dressing | Approximately £50 to £150+ | Short-term protection or pain relief. |
| Small to medium filling | Approximately £100 to £250+ | Depends on size, tooth and material. |
| Large white filling | Approximately £180 to £350+ | May not be suitable if the tooth is too weak. |
| Recement crown | Approximately £80 to £250+ | Only possible if crown and tooth are sound. |
| New crown | Approximately £500 to £1,200+ | Cost depends on material and complexity. |
| Onlay or inlay | Approximately £400 to £900+ | Custom-made option for larger repairs. |
| Root canal treatment | Approximately £300 to £1,100+ | Molars usually cost more. |
| Extraction | Approximately £100 to £350+ | Surgical extraction may cost more. |
These are broad guide prices only. Always ask for a written quote before private treatment.
What should be included in a private quote?
Before agreeing to private treatment, ask what is included.
- Emergency consultation.
- X-rays.
- Temporary dressing.
- Permanent filling.
- Recementing a crown.
- New crown, if needed.
- Core build-up or post, if needed.
- Root canal treatment, if needed.
- Review appointments.
- What happens if the repair fails.
Can a temporary repair last for months?
It might, but you should not rely on it. Temporary materials are designed to protect the tooth briefly until proper care is available. They may leak, wear away or fall out, allowing decay or infection to worsen.
A temporary repair that feels comfortable is not proof that the tooth is healthy.
What if a temporary filling falls out?
Temporary fillings are expected to be less durable than permanent fillings. If it falls out, avoid chewing on the tooth and contact your dentist. You may need the tooth reassessed or the temporary material replaced.
What if a temporary crown falls off?
A temporary crown protects a prepared tooth while the final crown is being made. If it falls off, contact your dentist promptly. The tooth may be sensitive, and the prepared tooth can shift slightly if left uncovered.
Keep the temporary crown safe. Do not use household glue.
Lost filling or crown while pregnant
If you are pregnant and lose a filling or crown, contact a dentist. Dental care is important during pregnancy, and NHS dental treatment is free during pregnancy and for 12 months after the baby is born in the UK if you have a valid maternity exemption certificate.
Tell the dental team you are pregnant. They can advise on suitable pain relief, X-rays if needed, and safe treatment timing.
Lost filling or crown in a child
Children can lose fillings or damage crowns on baby or adult teeth. Contact a dentist for advice, especially if there is pain, swelling, trauma or the tooth is an adult tooth.
Do not ignore a lost filling in a baby tooth. Baby teeth can still become infected, painful or affect eating and sleep.
How to prevent fillings and crowns falling out
Not every failure can be prevented, but you can reduce the risk.
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between teeth every day.
- Attend regular check-ups.
- Treat decay early.
- Avoid chewing ice, pens, hard sweets or very hard foods.
- Do not use teeth to open packets.
- Wear a night guard if you grind and your dentist recommends one.
- Report sensitivity or rough edges early.
- Replace failing large fillings before the tooth breaks.
- Ask whether a crown or onlay is better for a heavily filled tooth.
Questions to ask your dentist
If you have lost a filling or crown, ask:
- Why did it come out?
- Is there decay underneath?
- Is the tooth cracked?
- Can the old crown be recemented?
- Is a new filling enough?
- Would an onlay or crown be stronger?
- Do I need root canal treatment?
- Can the tooth be saved?
- What happens if I wait?
- Is this covered by the NHS?
- Is there a 12-month NHS guarantee on the original treatment?
- What will it cost privately?
- How long should the repair last?
- How can I stop it happening again?
Red flags to watch out for
Be cautious if a clinic or provider:
- Recements a crown without checking for decay or fracture.
- Does not explain why the filling or crown failed.
- Does not take an X-ray when symptoms suggest deeper problems.
- Gives vague private costs.
- Does not discuss NHS and private options clearly.
- Repeatedly patches the same tooth without explaining longer-term options.
- Does not explain root canal or crown risks when the break is deep.
- Pressures you into expensive treatment without explaining alternatives.
When should you get a second opinion?
Consider a second opinion if:
- You have been told the tooth must be extracted.
- You are unsure whether the crown can be recemented.
- You are being advised to have a new crown or root canal treatment.
- The treatment is expensive.
- The same filling or crown keeps failing.
- You feel rushed into a decision.
- You are considering an implant, bridge or denture after extraction.
A good dentist should explain the diagnosis clearly and help you understand your realistic options.
How to choose a dentist for a lost filling or crown
Most general dentists can help with lost fillings and crowns. If the tooth is complex, painful, root-filled or badly broken, you may need more detailed restorative care.
Look for:
- Prompt urgent appointment availability.
- Clear explanation of what has failed.
- X-rays where clinically needed.
- Transparent NHS or private costs.
- Discussion of repair, crown, root canal and extraction options.
- No pressure selling.
- Clear aftercare advice.
For broader help, read: How to Choose a Dentist in the UK and What Makes a Good Dental Practice?.
You can also browse local dental providers through All Health and Care, including our Top 10 Dentists in the UK and local pages such as Top 10 Dentists in London.
Final thoughts
A lost filling or crown is not something to ignore. Even if it does not hurt, the tooth may be exposed, weakened or decayed. Temporary repair kits can help protect the tooth briefly, but they do not replace proper dental care.
If you still have the crown, keep it safe and take it to your dentist. Avoid chewing on the tooth, keep the area clean, and do not use household glue. Seek urgent help if there is severe pain, swelling, fever, pus, trauma or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Early treatment can often mean a simpler repair. Waiting too long can turn a lost filling or loose crown into a broken tooth, root canal treatment or extraction.
For more patient-friendly dental guides, visit our Dental Health & Dentistry section.
Frequently asked questions about lost fillings and crowns
What should I do if my filling falls out?
Keep the area clean, avoid chewing on that side, protect sharp edges if needed and book a dental appointment. A temporary filling kit may help short term.
What should I do if my crown falls off?
Keep the crown safe and take it to the dentist. Avoid chewing on the tooth and do not use household glue.
Is a lost filling an emergency?
Not always. A painless lost filling may be able to wait for a routine appointment, but severe pain, swelling, bleeding, trauma or signs of infection need urgent dental advice.
Is a lost crown an emergency?
It can be urgent if the tooth is painful, broken, infected or very sensitive. Even without pain, you should see a dentist because the tooth underneath may be vulnerable.
Can I put a crown back on myself?
Temporary dental cement may help briefly in some cases, but only if the crown fits correctly and there is no pain, swelling or damage. Do not use superglue or force it back on.
Can a dentist recement my crown?
Yes, if the crown and tooth are sound and the crown still fits properly. If there is decay or fracture, a new crown or other treatment may be needed.
Can a lost filling be replaced?
Often, yes. If enough healthy tooth remains, the dentist can usually replace it. If the tooth is weak or cracked, an onlay or crown may be needed.
Can I use temporary filling material?
Yes, as a short-term measure if you cannot see a dentist immediately. It is not a permanent repair and should not delay dental care.
Can I use superglue on a lost crown?
No. Superglue, nail glue and household glues are not safe for the mouth and can damage the tooth, crown and soft tissues.
Why did my filling fall out?
Common reasons include decay, cracks, wear, a large old filling, weak tooth structure, grinding or biting hard food.
Why did my crown fall off?
Crowns can fall off because of cement failure, decay underneath, tooth fracture, not enough tooth structure, grinding, sticky foods or bite problems.
What if my tooth hurts after losing a filling?
Pain may mean exposed dentine, deep decay, a crack or nerve involvement. Arrange dental care promptly, especially if pain is severe or worsening.
What if my tooth is sensitive after losing a crown?
Sensitivity is common because the prepared tooth is exposed. Avoid chewing on it and see a dentist. Temporary cement may help briefly if appropriate.
Can a lost filling or crown cause an abscess?
Yes. Bacteria can enter the exposed tooth and cause infection, especially if decay or nerve involvement is present.
How much does NHS treatment cost for a lost filling or crown?
In England from 1 April 2026, urgent treatment is £27.90, Band 2 treatment such as fillings or root canal treatment is £76.60, and Band 3 treatment such as crowns is £332.10, unless you are exempt.
Is a lost NHS filling or crown guaranteed?
Some NHS fillings, root fillings, inlays, onlays and crowns are guaranteed for 12 months. If they need repair or replacement within that period, you may not be charged.
How much does private treatment cost?
Private costs vary. Emergency appointments may cost £60 to £200+, fillings £100 to £350+, crown recementing £80 to £250+, and new crowns £500 to £1,200+.
Can I eat after losing a filling or crown?
Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the affected side until the tooth is checked. Avoid hard, sticky, very hot or very cold foods if the tooth is sensitive.
How long can I leave a lost filling?
It is best to arrange a dental appointment promptly. Leaving it too long can increase the risk of decay, fracture and infection.
How long can I leave a lost crown?
Do not leave it longer than necessary. The tooth underneath may move, decay, fracture or become sensitive. Contact a dentist.
What if the crown keeps falling off?
Repeated crown loss may mean decay, poor retention, short tooth structure, bite problems or an unsuitable crown. The tooth needs reassessment.
What if a temporary crown falls off?
Contact your dentist. A temporary crown protects the prepared tooth while the final crown is being made.
Will I need root canal treatment?
Only if the nerve is infected, exposed or irreversibly inflamed. Your dentist will assess symptoms, X-rays and the depth of the damage.
Will I need the tooth removed?
Extraction may be needed if the tooth is too broken, decayed or cracked to restore. Ask whether repair is possible before deciding.
How can I stop fillings or crowns falling out?
Maintain good oral hygiene, attend check-ups, treat decay early, avoid chewing hard objects and wear a night guard if you grind and your dentist recommends one.
