Lost Crown or Filling
The underlying tooth is vulnerable until it is reviewed and re-protected.
What it means
Understanding lost crown or filling
Losing a crown or filling leaves the underlying tooth exposed and vulnerable, so it is worth having it seen promptly — even if there is no pain. The exposed tooth can be sensitive, collect food and bacteria, and is at greater risk of further damage or decay until it is re-protected.
Crowns and fillings can come loose for several reasons, including new decay forming underneath, the cement weakening over time, or biting on something hard. Sometimes the restoration comes away cleanly and the tooth beneath is sound; other times the tooth itself has broken down.
If you have lost a crown or filling, keep the crown safe if you have it, and contact us. A GDC-registered dentist will assess the tooth and re-protect it appropriately.
Common causes of lost crown or filling
Several factors can contribute to lost crown or filling. Being aware of them can help — though only an examination can confirm what applies to you. Common contributing factors include:
- New decay developing beneath the crown or filling
- The cement or bond weakening or washing out over time
- Biting on hard or sticky foods
- A fracture in the remaining tooth structure
- An old, worn restoration reaching the end of its lifespan
- Grinding or clenching that loosens the restoration
Signs and symptoms to look out for
Symptoms vary from person to person, and some can be subtle. You may notice one or more of the following:
- A gap or hole where the filling or crown used to be
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet or air
- A rough edge or change in how your bite feels
- Food packing into the area
- Mild discomfort when chewing on that tooth
- The crown coming away in your hand or while eating
How we assess it at our Wimpole Street practice
Because the same symptoms can have different causes, an accurate diagnosis always comes first. At Wimpole Dental, a GDC-registered dentist will listen to your concerns, examine the area and — where clinically appropriate — take X-rays or other records to understand what is happening beneath the surface. Our practice is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and every clinician is registered with the General Dental Council (GDC).
You will then have your options explained in plain English, with a written, itemised estimate before any treatment begins — and never any pressure to proceed. Flexible payment options may be available — ask at your consultation.
What to expect when you visit us
From your very first contact, our aim is to make dental care feel calm, clear and unhurried. A member of our reception team will help you find a time that suits you, including evening and weekend appointments, and if you are in pain we will do our best to see you the same day. You are welcome as a new patient, and there is no obligation to proceed with any treatment.
At your appointment, a GDC-registered dentist will take time to understand your concerns about lost crown or filling, carry out a careful examination and, where clinically appropriate, take X-rays or other records. They will then explain what they have found and set out the suitable options — from doing nothing and monitoring, through to the treatments described above — so you can make an informed decision that is right for you.
If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, you are far from alone, and we are experienced in caring for nervous patients. Please tell us how you feel when you book: we will move at your pace, explain each step before it happens, and focus on keeping you comfortable throughout. Our priority is honest, gentle care that puts your long-term health first.
Solutions & treatment options
Your dentist will first check the condition of the underlying tooth. If the tooth is sound and you still have the crown, it can often be re-cemented; if the crown is damaged or the fit has changed, a new one may be needed. A lost filling is usually replaced with a new filling, or with a crown or onlay if a large amount of tooth is missing.
Where decay or a fracture is found beneath the old restoration, that will be treated first so the new restoration sits on a healthy foundation. Occasionally, if the nerve is involved, root canal treatment may be required before rebuilding the tooth.
Because an exposed tooth is at risk, we aim to see you quickly to relieve any sensitivity and re-protect the tooth with a written estimate provided beforehand.
The treatment we most often use
Emergency Dentist
Same-day appointments where possible for toothache, swelling, broken teeth and other urgent dental problems — call before 11am.
Prevention & everyday care
While professional care is important, good daily habits make a real difference. The following steps can help:
- Attend regular check-ups so restorations are reviewed before they fail
- Maintain good daily cleaning to prevent decay under restorations
- Avoid very hard or sticky foods that can dislodge crowns and fillings
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
- Report a loose or high-feeling restoration promptly
- Keep any crown that comes out and bring it to your appointment
When to see a dentist
This can be a sign of something that needs prompt attention. If you're in pain, notice swelling, or a tooth becomes loose or broken, please contact us as soon as possible — call 020 7183 0692 and we'll prioritise a same-day emergency appointment wherever we can. If you have spreading facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a high fever, seek urgent medical care without delay.
Questions & Answers
Frequently asked questions
It is not usually a severe emergency, but the exposed tooth is vulnerable and can be sensitive, so it is best seen promptly. If you are in significant pain or the tooth has broken, contact us straight away for an urgent appointment.
Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy may hold a crown in place briefly, but it is not a lasting fix and can mask problems underneath. Please keep the crown and have the tooth assessed so it can be re-fitted properly.
If the underlying tooth is healthy and the crown is undamaged, it can often be re-cemented. If there is decay, a fracture, or the crown no longer fits well, a new one may be recommended. Your dentist will advise after examining the tooth.
No. This page is general education to help you understand a common concern. It is not a diagnosis, and the same symptoms can have different causes. Only an in-person examination by a GDC-registered dentist can confirm what is happening and what, if anything, needs treating.
You will always receive a written, itemised quote before any treatment begins. New patients start with a £30 consultation; flexible payment options may be available — ask at your consultation.
That is very common and completely understood. Our team is experienced in caring for anxious patients: your dentist will explain everything in plain English, work at your pace and never pressure you to proceed. Let us know how you feel when you book so we can make your visit as calm and comfortable as possible.
Yes. Wimpole Dental is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and every clinician is registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), with numbers you can verify on the public register. Our marketing follows advertising standards guidance for healthcare, and we never guarantee outcomes.
You can book online, request a call back, or call us on 020 7183 0692. New patients are welcome, and we offer evening and weekend appointments as well as same-day emergency slots where possible.
Related concerns in pain & dental emergencies
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22 Wimpole St, London W1G 8GQ · CQC regulated · GDC-registered clinicians