Lost a Filling or Crown in Fort Lauderdale? Here's What to Do
A filling falls out during dinner. A crown pops off when you bite into an apple. Suddenly your tongue finds a rough, unfamiliar hole where smooth tooth used to be. It is unsettling, but it is also one of the more fixable dental emergencies.
Call (954) 807-1840 and we will get you in for a same-day repair. In the meantime, here is what to do and what to avoid.
Temporary Measures at Home
These steps protect the tooth until you can see us:
- Save the crown or filling piece. Bring it with you. If the crown is intact and the tooth underneath is healthy, we may be able to cement it right back.
- Over-the-counter dental cement. Available at most pharmacies (brands like Dentemp or Recapit). Follow the package directions to temporarily reattach a crown or fill a cavity.
- Avoid hot, cold, and sweet foods. The exposed dentin is sensitive. Room-temperature, soft foods are safest.
- Do not use superglue. It is toxic if swallowed, difficult to remove, and can damage the tooth.
- Keep the area clean. Gently brush around the tooth and rinse with warm saltwater after eating.
Why You Still Need Professional Care
A lost filling or crown exposes the inner layer of your tooth (dentin) or, in some cases, the nerve. Dentin is softer than enamel and much more vulnerable to decay. Without protection, bacteria can reach the interior of the tooth within days, potentially causing an infection that requires a root canal.
Even if you are not in pain, the exposed tooth is at risk. Getting it covered professionally, whether by re-cementing the original restoration or placing a new one, prevents a small problem from becoming a big one.
Same-Day Replacement Options
Re-cement the crown: If the original crown is in good shape and the tooth underneath is not decayed, we can clean and re-cement it in about 20 minutes. This is the simplest and most affordable fix.
New filling: If the old filling fell out because of new decay underneath, we remove the decay and place a fresh filling. Tooth-colored composite fillings blend seamlessly.
Temporary crown: If a new permanent crown is needed, we place a temporary crown the same day while the lab fabricates your permanent one. You leave protected.
Cost and Insurance
Re-cementing an existing crown costs $75 to $200. A new filling runs $100 to $300. A new crown is $800 to $1,500 depending on material. We accept most insurance plans, credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my crown falls off at night?
Clean the crown gently. If it fits, try placing it back on the tooth using over-the-counter dental cement or even a tiny dab of toothpaste as a temporary hold. Do not use superglue. Avoid eating on that side. Call us at (954) 807-1840 first thing in the morning.
Can I eat with a lost filling?
Yes, but carefully. Chew on the opposite side. Avoid hot, cold, and sweet foods that may trigger sharp pain on the exposed tooth. Stick to soft, room-temperature foods until you can see us.
How much does it cost to replace a filling or crown?
A replacement filling costs $100 to $300. A new crown costs $800 to $1,500 depending on the material (porcelain, zirconia, gold). If the original crown is intact and the tooth underneath is healthy, we may be able to re-cement it for $75 to $200.