What Is a Lost Filling or Loose Crown?
Fillings and crowns are restorations used to repair and protect damaged teeth. Fillings restore teeth affected by decay or minor damage, whilst crowns encase the entire visible portion of a tooth to provide strength and protection. Both are designed to last for many years, but neither is permanent.
A loose crown is one that has begun to move or shift but remains partially attached to the tooth. In contrast, a crown that has completely detached will come away entirely and may be retrieved. Similarly, a filling may partially break down before falling out completely, or may dislodge suddenly whilst eating.
When a filling or crown is lost or loosened, the underlying tooth structure becomes exposed. This can lead to sensitivity, discomfort, and increased vulnerability to decay or further damage. The exposed dentine—the layer beneath the enamel—is softer and more porous than enamel, making it more susceptible to bacterial infiltration.
Common Causes of Lost Fillings or Loose Crowns
There are several reasons why dental restorations may fail or become dislodged, ranging from normal wear to underlying dental problems.
Wear and Tear Over Time
All dental restorations have a lifespan. Years of daily use can gradually weaken the bond between a filling or crown and the tooth beneath.
Tooth Decay Beneath the Restoration
If decay develops at the margins of a filling or under a crown, it can undermine the restoration and cause it to loosen or fall out.
Biting Hard or Sticky Foods
Chewing ice, hard sweets, or sticky foods like toffee can place excessive stress on restorations, potentially dislodging them.
Changes in Bite or Teeth Grinding
Bruxism or changes in your bite alignment can create uneven forces that weaken the seal of a crown or filling over time.
Damage to the Underlying Tooth
Cracks, fractures, or structural weakness in the tooth itself can compromise the fit and retention of a restoration.
Age of the Restoration
Older fillings, particularly large amalgam restorations, may weaken with age and become more prone to failure.
Symptoms You May Notice
When a filling is lost or a crown becomes loose, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
Sudden Sensitivity
Hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks may cause sharp sensitivity where the restoration has been lost or loosened.
Rough or Hollow Feeling
You may notice a rough edge, gap, or hollow area in the tooth when running your tongue over it.
Discomfort When Chewing
Biting or chewing may cause discomfort, particularly if the exposed tooth structure is sensitive or sharp.
Crown Moving When Biting
A loose crown may shift slightly when you bite down, creating an unusual sensation or clicking feeling.
Food Trapping
Food may become trapped around or inside the affected tooth, causing discomfort or difficulty cleaning the area.
Visible Gap or Dark Area
You may be able to see where the filling was or notice darkening if decay is present beneath the restoration.
Why Professional Assessment Is Important
Professional assessment is essential when a filling or crown is lost or loosened, even if symptoms are mild. The exposed tooth structure is more vulnerable to decay, and any existing decay beneath the restoration may continue to progress.
A loose crown can also affect your bite, potentially causing discomfort or uneven wear on other teeth. If left loose for an extended period, the underlying tooth may shift slightly or the crown may no longer fit correctly, requiring a new restoration.
Temporary measures—such as dental cement available from pharmacies—may provide short-term relief but do not replace professional care. These products are not designed for long-term use and do not address any underlying problems with the tooth or restoration.
During your assessment, your dentist will examine the affected tooth, the restoration if available, and the surrounding tissues. X-rays may be taken to check for decay or damage that is not visible to the eye.
Professional Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the condition of both the tooth and the restoration. Following assessment, your dentist may recommend one of the following approaches:
Re-cementing a Crown
If the crown is intact and the underlying tooth is healthy, your dentist may be able to clean and re-cement it in place.
Replacing a Lost Filling
A new filling can be placed to restore the tooth's shape and protect it from further decay or damage.
Treating Decay Beneath the Restoration
If decay has developed under the crown or filling, this must be removed before a new restoration can be placed.
Providing a New Crown
If the existing crown is damaged, worn, or no longer fits correctly, a new crown may be fabricated to restore proper function.
Tooth Extraction
In advanced cases where the tooth cannot be restored—such as extensive decay or fracture—extraction may be the most appropriate option.
Your dentist will discuss suitable options following examination, taking into account the long-term prognosis of the tooth and your individual circumstances.
Professional Review for Lost Fillings and Loose Crowns
A lost filling or loose crown should be reviewed by a dentist to prevent further damage and restore proper function. Our dental team can assess the condition of your tooth and restoration to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Depending on your needs, this may involve emergency dental assessment, general dentistry services to replace the filling, or dental crown treatment to restore or replace your crown.
Assessment and treatment for lost fillings or loose crowns are available at our London clinics. You can attend our South Kensington dental clinic or our City of London clinic near St Paul's for a professional dental review.
Can I Leave a Lost Filling or Loose Crown Untreated?
Whilst a lost filling or loose crown may not cause immediate symptoms, this does not mean the tooth is protected. Short-term comfort can be misleading—the exposed tooth structure remains vulnerable to decay and damage even when pain is absent.
Over time, bacteria can infiltrate the exposed tooth, potentially leading to decay that extends deeper into the tooth structure. If decay reaches the pulp chamber, root canal treatment may become necessary. In some cases, the tooth may fracture further, complicating treatment or making extraction more likely.
A loose crown that is left in place without professional attention can trap bacteria and food debris underneath, accelerating decay. The crown may also detach unexpectedly, potentially being swallowed or causing injury.
For these reasons, professional assessment is recommended even when symptoms are minimal. Early intervention typically allows for simpler, more predictable treatment.
Reducing the Risk of Restoration Failure
While not all restoration failures can be prevented, certain measures can help prolong the lifespan of your fillings and crowns:
- Attend regular dental check-ups so restorations can be monitored for wear or decay
- Avoid chewing very hard foods such as ice, boiled sweets, or popcorn kernels
- Limit sticky foods like toffees and chewy sweets that can pull at restorations
- If you grind your teeth, discuss a protective night guard with your dentist
- Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent decay at the margins of restorations
- Report any looseness, sensitivity, or changes in your restorations promptly
