A lost filling or lost crown occurs when a dental restoration becomes dislodged, leaving the underlying tooth exposed.
Without protection, the tooth is vulnerable to sensitivity, pain, fracture, and infection and often requires urgent dental care.
Yes — a lost filling or crown often requires prompt clinical assessment, as the exposed tooth is no longer protected and may be vulnerable to pain, damage, or infection.
Emergency dental care focuses on diagnosing the underlying risk and stabilising the tooth safely until definitive treatment can be planned. This approach is explained in our emergency dentistry care framework.
Immediate dental emergency (seek care today):
Same-day urgent dental problem:
Possibly non-urgent (still needs assessment):
No pain yet, but the tooth is exposed
Even without pain, delaying treatment increases the risk of infection and fracture.
Several reasons can cause a filling or crown to loosen or detach:
A lost filling or crown will not repair itself and leaving the tooth exposed can quickly lead to complications.
Short-term risks:
Medium-term risks:
Severe outcomes:
Treatment focuses on protecting the tooth and restoring strength and function.
At Deepcar Dental, lost fillings and crowns are managed by our clinical team led by Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, GDC-registered Principal Dentist with advanced training in restorative and digital dentistry. Same-day assessment is available where clinically appropriate.
You Should-
Do Not
Often yes, if it is intact and the tooth underneath is healthy.
The dentine is exposed, which transmits temperature directly to the nerve.
Many cases can be treated the same day. If a new crown is needed, a temporary crown is placed immediately.
If your filling or crown has fallen out, contact us as soon as possible. Early assessment helps protect the tooth and prevent complications.