Emergencies
Lost a filling or crown while travelling? A step-by-step guide
What to do in the hours after a filling or crown comes out, what not to do, and how it can often be fixed in a single visit.
By Dr. Kang Jun-guMedically reviewed by Dr. Kang Jun-guPublished Updated 4 min read
Quick answer
Keep the crown, rinse your mouth, avoid chewing on that side and don't glue it back with household glue. A lost filling or crown is rarely an emergency, but book a dentist within a few days; it can often be re-cemented or replaced in one visit.
Right away
- Put the crown or filling piece in a small bag or container
- Rinse with warm water
- Check for sharp edges with your tongue, not your fingers
- Avoid very hot, cold, sticky or hard food on that side
What not to do
- Don't use superglue or household adhesive
- Don't force the crown back if it doesn't seat easily
- Don't leave it for weeks; the exposed tooth can break or decay
How it's usually fixed
If the crown is intact and the tooth underneath is healthy, it can often be cleaned and re-cemented in a short visit. If the filling is gone, a new composite filling is usually done the same day. A broken crown can sometimes be replaced the same day with a digitally milled crown.
Questions people also ask
Can I fly with a lost crown?
Yes. Cabin pressure doesn't usually cause problems, though an exposed tooth may feel sensitive. Avoid chewing on it and get it seen when you land.
Should I bring the old crown?
Yes, always. If it's intact, re-cementing it is quicker and less costly than making a new one.
Need this looked at in Seoul?
Check-ups, scaling and whitening, with fees shown before we start.
Dr. Kang is a board-certified Integrated Dentistry specialist trained at Yonsei, Harvard and Columbia. He treats every patient at the Gongdeok clinic himself.
About Dr. KangHow we write these guides: each guide is written from questions our patients ask, reviewed by Dr. Kang, and updated when guidance changes. It is general information, not a diagnosis. For advice about your own teeth, please book a check-up.
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