Usually, patients lose fillings or crowns while eating or chewing gum. If a dental restoration falls out, it can cause the tooth to become sensitive and vulnerable to decay or fracture. In this article, we share about what goes into fishing missing filling or crowns.

smiling woman after fixed Lost Filling in lincoln ne

If you have a lost filling or crown, call us right away at 402-742-0000, or at 402-840-9783 if it’s after hours.


Often, the reason why a crown falls off is that a cavity has formed beneath the crown. The cavity causes a change in the shape of the underlying tooth structure, which supports the crown. If it goes untreated, the tooth can become more sensitive due to debris and bacteria contacting the inner parts of the tooth. If a crown is missing for a prolonged period of time, adjacent teeth can begin shifting into the space created by the missing crown.

Here are the steps you can take if a filling or crown becomes loose or falls out:

Step one:

Call our office or our emergency dentist number if it’s after hours and you have lost a filling or crown and are experiencing a great amount of discomfort.

Step two:

If you are not experiencing a great amount of discomfort, call our office so we can get you an appointment at your convenience.

Step Three:

If you lose a crown, be sure to clean it well and keep it in a safe place because sometimes it is possible to re-cement it into place. This depends upon the condition of the underlying tooth structure.

Step 4:

You can use temporary dental cement (found at many pharmacies) or toothpaste to keep your crown in place while you wait for your dental appointment. DO NOT use glue or any other type of non-dental material to put the crown back on.

Step 5:

If you have lost a filling, you can place clove oil on the tooth to help relieve sensitivity. Try to avoid applying it to your gums.

Silver Lost Filling example from NorthStar Dental in Lincoln, NE

Lost Filling

For a lost or broken filling, the emergency dentist will evaluate the tooth to determine the cause. The dentist will either place a new filling or discuss other recommended treatment. If the tooth is treated early enough, often it is possible to replace the filling without further progression of decay. If not, we will remove any decayed tooth structure and either place a new filling or a crown. If the decay is extensive, it may be necessary to perform a root canal to save the tooth. At Northstar, we offer competitive rates for emergency dental work.

If you are apprehensive about seeing a dentist, there is no need to worry. We understand that many patients have had negative experiences in the past. We do not believe in lecturing or shaming patients about their dental conditions. Instead, we hope to build a genuine relationship with you. You are welcome here no matter what condition your teeth are in or how long it has been since your last dental visit. Our number one goal is to make you feel valued, and we believe we can do that by treating you like family.

Convenient Payment Options for Lost Fillings

Northstar offers many ways to help make dental treatment affordable for you. We believe that everyone deserves to have access to exceptional dental care, regardless of their financial situation.

Find out more about Dental Flexible Payment Options and Monthly Payment Plans to make dental treatment affordable by clicking the logos below:

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