Ahead of your visit
Lost filling or crown
One appointment, explained before it starts.
If a filling or crown has come away, chances are you're not dealing with an emergency. What's changed is that the tooth underneath no longer has its usual covering, so it's more sensitive to temperature, pressure and sweet food than before. Still got the crown in one piece? Keep it somewhere safe and bring it along. Your dentist may be able to fit it back once they've had a look at the tooth beneath it. Don't reach for household glue, it damages the tooth and the crown both. Until you're seen, give that side a break when you eat, and skip anything too hot, too cold, or sticky.
Why this matters
What this treatment aims to improve
Results depend on the starting condition, the treatment plan and how the mouth responds. Your dentist will explain what is realistic for your case before treatment begins.
An exposed tooth gets covered again sooner
Without its usual covering, a tooth picks up wear and sensitivity faster, so getting it seen quickly keeps that exposed window short.
Your crown might still do the job
If you've kept it intact, there's a real chance it can be re-cemented, once your dentist has checked the tooth it sits on.
The cause gets checked, too
Your dentist looks at why it came loose in the first place, decay underneath is a common reason, before deciding what comes next.
How it works
Step by step, from assessment to review
Bring it if you've got it
An intact crown or filling piece, wrapped safely, gives your dentist the option of fitting it back, once they've checked what's happening underneath.
The tooth gets a proper look
Your dentist checks for decay, cracks or other changes where the covering used to sit, since that's usually what explains why it came away.
You hear the plan before it starts
Whether that's re-cementing what you brought in, or a new filling or crown, you'll know what's happening and why before anything is done.
Is it suitable for you?
This is for anyone whose filling or crown has come loose, cracked, or dropped out entirely, whether that happened mid-meal or you noticed it was gone.
Something's come away
Sudden or gradual, noticed while eating or missing one day without warning, an exposed tooth is worth getting looked at rather than waiting it out.
The tooth feels different
Sharper against your tongue, sensitive to cold, or not quite right somehow, these details help your dentist work out what's going on.
You're not sure what to do in the meantime
Bring the piece if you've still got it, and message the clinic to book yourself in.
Getting ready
Small things that help before you arrive.
Bring anything relevant
Old X-rays, a list of medications or notes on what you've noticed all help, though you're welcome to come without them.
Flag what makes it harder
If anxiety, a sensitive spot or a rough past experience make visits difficult, tell the team early so they can plan around it.
Give it enough time
A first look needs room for questions and a proper explanation, not just a quick glance and a nod.
Lost filling or crown questions
Questions patients often ask
The answers below cover what most patients experience. Your own dentist will tailor the advice to your examination, medical history and treatment plan.
Wrap it safely if it's intact, skip chewing on that side, and message the clinic to get booked in. Let them know whether you've still got the piece with you.
Have a different question?
Tell the clinic what you are concerned about. The team can explain the next sensible step before you decide on a visit.
Book when you're ready
Talk it through before you book.
Tell HPA Dental Clinic what you've noticed and they'll help arrange the right appointment for it.
Bring whatever you're wondering about. Your dentist explains as you go, what's happening, why it matters and what comes next, so you leave with a plan that makes sense.