What to Do When Your Dental Crown or Filling Falls Out
A temporary fix for one of dentistry’s most annoying problems
Losing a filling or a crown can be a pain—in more ways than one. Take a deep breath. Here’s how you can handle the situation until you get an appointment to see your dentist.
How to care for a lost crown or dental filling:
- Apply a small dab of petroleum jelly inside the crown.
- Place crown back on the tooth to create a temporary seal.
- Avoid using that tooth.
- See your dentist as soon as possible.
CAUTION: Considering temporary commercial crown cements? If they’re applied incorrectly, they can cause major bite and cosmetic problems.
ALTERNATIVES: Use over-the-counter temporary dental filling or orthodontic wax until you can see a dentist.
NOTE: A temporary fix is just that—temporary. Your teeth can still decay and shift until a permanent filling or crown is placed, so see your dentist right away.
Want to save money on dental expenses?
It’s easy: If you’re having trouble, see a dentist immediately. Why? Because the longer you wait to get help for dental issues, the greater the chance for more problems and expense.
Learn more:
How to care for a broken tooth
What to do if you’ve lost a tooth
How to ease the pain of a toothache
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