1
Inspect the tooth
The dentist checks the exposed tooth for new decay or cracks and takes an X-ray if the tooth had a root canal or looks damaged.
Same-day appointments for lost crowns and fillings
Lost Crown or Filling Replacement: Same-Day Emergency Repair
When a filling or crown comes out, the softer tooth underneath is suddenly exposed. Covering it again quickly stops sensitivity and keeps the tooth from cracking or decaying.
1-855-219-4656 Can a lost crown or filling be replaced today?
Yes. Call 1-855-219-4656 and we refer you to a partner dentist who can see you the same day. If your crown is intact, recementing takes about 20 minutes and costs around $90 to $300 without insurance. A lost filling is replaced in a similar time. If the crown is cracked or cannot be found, the dentist fits a temporary crown today and makes a new permanent one for a second visit.
A lost crown or filling is rarely painful enough to feel like an emergency, which is exactly why people put it off. The prepared tooth underneath was never meant to take a full bite on its own, and the sooner it is covered again the less likely you are to need a bigger repair.
When a lost crown or filling needs urgent care
- The exposed tooth is sharply sensitive to air, cold or sweet food
- The crown came off with a piece of tooth inside it
- You swallowed or inhaled the crown, or think you might have
- The tooth had a root canal and the crown is the only thing protecting it
- Rough edges are cutting your tongue or cheek, or food keeps packing into the hole
A painless lost filling in a back tooth can wait a day or two if you keep it clean. A lost crown should be seen within a day, because the prepared tooth is weak and can shift or fracture. See lost crown and lost filling for first aid.
What happens at the appointment
2
Clean and prepare
Old cement and soft decay are removed. The crown is cleaned inside. If the tooth has changed shape, the dentist reshapes it slightly for a better fit.
3
Recement or replace
An intact crown is bonded back with fresh cement. A filling is rebuilt in composite. A lost or broken crown gets a temporary now and a permanent one later.
Cost of replacing a lost crown or filling
| Type | Without insurance | With insurance (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency exam + X-ray | $100–$250 | $0–$50 |
| Recement an intact crown | $90–$300 | $20–$100 |
| Replacement filling | $90–$300 | $20–$120 |
| Temporary crown | $90–$300 | $20–$100 |
| New permanent crown | $800–$2,000 | $400–$1,000 |
Estimates from partner clinic fee schedules. Your dentist quotes the exact fee before treatment. National ranges from partner clinics; city pages show local figures. Many plans cover a replacement crown only after the old one reaches a certain age. Ask the dentist to check before treatment. Paying yourself? Read the no-insurance guide. See the emergency dental cost guide.
Aftercare after a crown or filling is replaced
- Wait an hour before eating and avoid sticky foods like caramel or gum on that side for a day.
- Floss carefully around a recemented crown. Pull the floss out sideways rather than snapping it up.
- Mild sensitivity to cold for a few days is normal. Lasting pain when biting is not, so call the dentist.
- If a temporary crown comes loose, keep it, avoid chewing on the tooth and call for a quick recement.
- Attend the follow-up for the permanent crown. Temporary cement is designed to give way eventually.
Find same-day lost crown or filling in your city
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- All states
Related services and guides
Related emergency guides: Lost crown, Lost filling, Severe toothache.
Lost Crown or Filling FAQ
Need help right now? Call 1-855-219-4656, free, 24 hours a day.
Can I put my crown back on myself?
As a short-term measure, yes. Clean it, dry the tooth and use temporary dental cement from a pharmacy or a dab of toothpaste. Never use superglue, which damages the tooth and makes a proper recement harder.
Why did my filling fall out?
Fillings loosen when decay forms underneath, when the tooth cracks, or simply with age and chewing. The dentist checks for decay before placing a new one.
Does it hurt when a crown comes off?
Often the tooth is sensitive to temperature and pressure because the dentin is exposed. If the tooth had a root canal, it may not hurt at all, but it still needs covering to prevent fracture.
How much does it cost to replace a lost crown?
Recementing an intact crown costs about $90 to $300 without insurance. A new crown runs $800 to $2,000. Fillings are $90 to $300 depending on size.
What if I swallowed the crown?
A swallowed crown almost always passes harmlessly. If you coughed or had trouble breathing when it came off, see a doctor in case it went into the airway.
Medically reviewed by Dr. FULL NAME, DDS. Last reviewed . Sources: ADA MouthHealthy, Crowns, ADA MouthHealthy, Fillings. Editorial policy.
Need lost crown or filling today?
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