Lost Filling or Crown in North York
When a filling falls out or a crown comes off, the tooth underneath is left exposed. Keep the crown if you have it, and call us to book a visit.
If you lost a filling or crown in North York, call Emerald Forest Dental to book a visit soon. Keep the crown in a safe container and bring it with you. Your dentist checks the tooth underneath for decay or damage, then either recements the crown, places a new filling or plans a new crown.
- Typical time
- Often 30–60 minutes; a new crown usually needs two visits
- Who it's for
- Anyone whose filling, crown, inlay or onlay has come loose or fallen out
- Coverage
- Replacing failed fillings and crowns is often partly covered; check your plan
- Recovery
- Usually none; mild sensitivity for a few days
About lost filling or crown
Fillings and crowns can come loose for a few reasons. Decay can form under the edge and weaken the seal. The cement can wear out after many years. Sticky foods like toffee can pull a crown off, and grinding can crack an older filling. Sometimes the tooth itself breaks under the crown, which is why your dentist will look closely before putting anything back.
Until your visit, handle the crown by its outside and keep it in a small bag or container. Rinse your mouth and gently clean the area. Pharmacies sell temporary dental cement that can hold a crown in place or cover the hole from a lost filling for a short time; follow the package directions. Never use household glue, which can harm the tooth and gums and make the crown harder to reseat. Chew on the other side and avoid very hot, cold or sweet foods.
At your appointment, your dentist checks the tooth and the crown or filling site, and may take an X-ray. If the tooth is healthy and the crown still fits well, it may simply be cleaned and recemented. If there is new decay or the crown is damaged, the tooth may need a new filling, a build-up or a new crown.
Signs a filling or crown has come loose
- You found a hard piece in your food that is not tooth-coloured or is shaped like a cap
- Your tongue feels a hole or rough spot in a tooth
- A tooth suddenly hurts with cold drinks or air
- A crown moves or clicks when you bite
- Food keeps getting stuck in one spot
Benefits
- A crown that still fits can often be reused
- Your dentist checks for decay under the old work
- Prompt care helps protect the exposed tooth
- Tooth-coloured materials for new fillings
What to expect
- Call usLet us know what came out and whether the tooth hurts, and we will find a time for you.
- Protect the toothKeep the crown safe and use temporary cement from a pharmacy if needed.
- Check the toothYour dentist examines the tooth and may take an X-ray to look for decay or cracks.
- Recement or replaceA well-fitting crown may be recemented; otherwise a new filling or crown is planned.
Aftercare
- Avoid sticky foods like caramel and gum for a day after a crown is recemented.
- Floss by sliding the floss out to the side rather than pulling it up past a crown.
- If you grind your teeth, ask about a night guard to help protect fillings and crowns.
Cost and coverage
The cost depends on what your dentist finds. Recementing a crown that still fits is usually a smaller fee, while a new filling or crown costs more, and fees are usually based on the ODA suggested fee guide. Insurance often pays part of replacing failed fillings and crowns, though some plans limit how often a crown can be replaced. Bring your CDCP information too, if you have it, so we can check how it applies. LendCare payment plans are also available.
Our promise: we confirm your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.
Your dental team
Dr. Hamed Jannati, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Ye Zhang, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Kasra Badii, DDS
General Dentist
Treatment is provided by our dentists. Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari is a registered specialist in periodontics; our other dentists are general dentists. Some complex cases may be referred to a specialist.
Lost Filling or Crown FAQ
Is a lost filling or crown an emergency?
It is usually not an emergency if there is no severe pain or swelling, but you should be seen within a few days. The exposed tooth is weaker and can decay or break more easily.
Can I put my crown back on myself?
You can use temporary dental cement from a pharmacy to hold it for a short time. Make sure it sits in the right position and your bite feels normal. Never use household glue.
What if I swallowed my crown?
A swallowed crown usually passes on its own. If you cough a lot, have trouble breathing or have chest pain, go to a hospital emergency department, since it may have gone into your airway. Call us to plan a new crown.
Why did my crown fall off?
Common causes are decay under the crown, worn cement or sticky foods. Your dentist will check the tooth to find the cause, so the problem is less likely to happen again.
Can a crown be recemented more than once?
Sometimes, if it still fits well and the tooth is healthy. If a crown keeps coming off, there is often an underlying problem, and a new crown may be the better choice.
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Lost Filling or Crown near you
We see patients from across North York and nearby areas, including North York, Don Mills, Parkway Forest, Henry Farm, Willowdale, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham.
This page is general information and is not a substitute for an exam. Your dentist will recommend what's right for you. Reviewed by: Dr. Hamed Jannati, DDS. Last updated 2026-10-26.
Book lost filling or crown in North York
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