Can I glue my crown back on myself?

Do not use household glue, superglue, or regular adhesive. These can damage the tooth or the crown. Dental cement from a drugstore can temporarily hold a crown in place until you see a dentist. Apply a thin layer inside the crown, press it onto the tooth, and bite gently on a cloth to hold it. This is a temporary fix, not a replacement for professional treatment.

Why do dental crowns fall off?

Common reasons include: the cement wears out over time, decay forms under the crown and undermines the fit, the crown was not fitted properly to begin with, or the tooth underneath fractures. Sticky or hard foods can also pull a crown loose if the cement has weakened.

Is a lost filling a dental emergency?

It depends. If the tooth is not painful and has no sharp edges, you can wait a day or two to be seen. But if the tooth hurts, is sensitive, or has a sharp edge cutting your tongue or cheek, treat it as an emergency. The exposed area is also open to bacteria, so the sooner you get it covered, the better.

How long can I go without a crown?

You should not wait more than a few days. A tooth without its crown is vulnerable to fracture and decay. The longer the tooth is exposed, the higher the risk of complications that could turn a simple recementation into a root canal or extraction.

How much does it cost to replace a crown or filling?

If the original crown is intact and the tooth underneath is healthy, recementing it is a quick and relatively inexpensive procedure. If a new crown or filling is needed, the cost depends on the material and complexity. We give you a clear estimate before starting treatment.

Dental crown being placed on a tooth during restoration

Lost Crown or Filling? We Fix It the Same Day.

A crown or filling that comes off leaves your tooth exposed and vulnerable. Bring it in and we will recement or replace it today.

539-995-5962

What to Do When a Crown or Filling Falls Out

Save the crown or any pieces of the filling if you can. Keep the area clean by rinsing gently with warm water. Avoid chewing on that side. If the tooth is sensitive, temporary dental cement from a drugstore can cover the exposed area until you see us. Do not use superglue. Call 539-995-5962 for a same-day appointment.

Why Crowns and Fillings Come Loose

Cement breaks down over time. Dental cement is strong, but it does not last forever. After years of daily chewing, temperature changes, and normal wear, the bond can weaken. One day you bite into something and the crown pops off.

Decay under the restoration. If bacteria get under the edge of a crown or filling and create new decay, the underlying tooth changes shape. The crown or filling no longer fits properly and eventually comes loose.

Tooth fracture. The tooth underneath can crack from grinding, clenching, or biting something hard. When the structure changes, the restoration loses its grip.

Sticky foods. Caramel, taffy, and other sticky foods can pull on crowns and fillings. If the cement is already weakened, this is often what finally dislodges them.

Dental treatment room for crown and filling replacement in Tulsa

How We Fix a Lost Crown or Filling

When you bring in a lost crown, we start by examining the tooth underneath. If the tooth is healthy and the crown is intact, we can often recement it in the same visit. This is a quick procedure.

If there is new decay under the crown, we need to remove the decay first. Depending on how much tooth structure remains, we may be able to rebuild the tooth and recerement the original crown, or we may need to make a new one.

For lost fillings, we clean the cavity, check for new decay, and place a new filling. If the decay has spread significantly since the filling was first placed, a crown may be a better option to protect the remaining tooth.

In cases where the tooth is badly broken or infected, we may need to discuss a root canal or extraction. We always explain the situation and your options before proceeding.

Temporary Fixes Until You See Us

These are stopgap measures. They protect the tooth for a day or two, not a long-term solution.

Temporary dental cement (available at drugstores) can hold a crown in place temporarily. Clean the crown, apply a thin layer of cement inside, and press it onto the tooth gently.
Dental wax or sugarless gum can cover a sharp edge or an exposed cavity where a filling was to protect your tongue and cheek.
Clove oil on a cotton ball applied to the exposed area can help with sensitivity. It contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic.
Avoid chewing on the affected side until you see us.

When to Go to the Emergency Room Instead

Some dental situations need hospital care, not a dental office. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you have: facial swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, swelling spreading toward your eye or down your neck, uncontrolled bleeding that will not stop with firm pressure, or trauma suggesting a broken jaw. For all other dental emergencies, call us at 539-995-5962.

Lost Crown and Filling Questions

Common questions about lost crowns and fillings.

Do Not Leave Your Tooth Exposed

Call now for same-day crown or filling replacement. The longer you wait, the greater the risk of new damage.

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