Losing a filling, crown or bridge can happen without warning — often while eating something sticky or chewy. The tooth underneath is left unprotected, which can cause sharp sensitivity and, if left, more serious damage. Our emergency dentist in Daventry can re-cement or replace the restoration quickly and protect the tooth.
Need urgent help? Call 01327 577023 or request an appointment. Emergency appointments in Daventry from £65 — see our fees.
What to do straight away
- Keep the crown or bridge. If it is intact and undamaged, it can often simply be re-cemented — bring it with you.
- Rinse it gently and store it somewhere safe, such as a small container or a clean bag.
- Never try to glue it back yourself. Household or superglue is toxic, damages the crown and can seal decay inside the tooth.
- Keep the exposed tooth clean and avoid chewing on that side.
- Avoid very hot, very cold and sugary food and drink, which can trigger sharp sensitivity.
- A temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can hold the crown in place for a day or two, but it is not a long-term fix.
Why the exposed tooth needs protecting
A tooth prepared for a crown has had a lot of its outer enamel removed, so what remains is soft, sensitive dentine. Left uncovered it decays quickly and can fracture. Teeth also drift: if a crown is left off for weeks, the neighbouring and opposing teeth can move just enough that the old crown no longer fits and a new one has to be made. Getting seen quickly usually means a cheaper, simpler repair.
How it is treated
The dentist will check the crown, bridge or filling and, crucially, the tooth beneath it. If the tooth is sound and the restoration is undamaged, it can normally be cleaned and re-cemented at the same visit. If there is decay underneath, that is removed first and the tooth rebuilt — sometimes a new crown is needed. If the crown came off because the tooth underneath has fractured or become infected, root canal treatment or, occasionally, extraction may be discussed. Everything, including the cost, is explained before treatment begins.
Lost a bridge?
A bridge that has come away needs prompt attention because it is supported by the teeth on either side, which are now exposed. Bring the bridge with you — in many cases it can be re-fitted once the supporting teeth have been checked and cleaned.
We help patients across Daventry, Long Buckby, Crick, Braunston, Weedon Bec, Kilsby, Norton, Badby, Staverton and the wider NN11 area.
Frequently asked questions
Can a crown be glued back on at home?
No. Never use household glue or superglue — it is toxic, will ruin the crown, and can trap decay against the tooth. A temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can hold it for a day or two, but you should be seen by a dentist as soon as possible.
Can my old crown be re-used?
Very often yes. If the crown is undamaged and the tooth beneath it is healthy, it can usually be cleaned and re-cemented at your emergency appointment, which is far cheaper than making a new one.
Why did my crown fall off?
Common reasons are the cement washing out over time, decay developing at the margin of the crown, or the tooth underneath fracturing. The dentist checks which of these it is, because it determines the repair.
Is a lost filling or crown an emergency?
It should be treated urgently even if it is not painful. The exposed tooth is vulnerable to decay and fracture, and neighbouring teeth can shift so that the old crown no longer fits.
How much does it cost to have a crown re-cemented?
The emergency appointment starts from £65. Re-cementing an existing crown is one of the more straightforward emergency treatments, and the cost is confirmed clearly before anything is done.
Need urgent help? Call 01327 577023 or request an appointment. Emergency appointments in Daventry from £65 — see our fees.
