Lost crown or filling in Glasgow: is it an emergency?

Is a lost crown or filling an emergency?

Usually not in the blue lights sense. A lost crown or filling is rarely dangerous on its own, and plenty of people feel no pain at all at first. That does not mean it can wait indefinitely. The tooth underneath has just lost its protective armour. The exposed core is softer than enamel, often sensitive to hot, cold and sweet things, and far more vulnerable to decay. Leave it uncovered for weeks and the tooth can break down further, neighbouring teeth can start to tilt or drift into the space, and what would have been a simple repair can become a much bigger piece of dentistry.

So the honest answer is this: it deserves a phone call soon, ideally within a day or two, even when nothing hurts. If it does hurt, or any of the warning signs further down this page appear, call straight away.

First things first: keep the crown

If a crown has come off, find it and keep it. Rinse it gently in clean water, check it looks intact, and store it somewhere safe. A small clean container or a sealable bag is ideal. Bring it with you to your appointment. If both the crown and the tooth underneath are in good condition, there is a reasonable chance it can simply be cleaned and cemented back into place, which is the quickest and most conservative fix of all.

If you have swallowed the crown, do not panic. In most cases it passes through harmlessly. If you think you may have inhaled it, that is different: coughing, wheezing or breathlessness after losing a crown needs urgent medical attention, so seek help right away.

With a lost filling there is nothing to keep, but the same principle applies. The gap needs protecting until it can be properly repaired.

Temporary cement from the pharmacy

Most Glasgow pharmacies sell temporary dental cement or temporary filling kits, and they are a sensible short term measure. Used as directed, the cement can hold a crown in place for a short while, or plug the hole left by a lost filling. That protects the exposed tooth, calms the sensitivity and stops food packing into the gap.

A few things to bear in mind. Only recement a crown if it slips back into its natural position easily, and never force it. Clean the inside of the crown and dry the tooth as best you can first. And remember what temporary means: these kits are a bridge to proper treatment, not a substitute for it. The material is soft, it wears and washes out, and it does nothing to fix whatever caused the crown or filling to fail in the first place.

Never use superglue

It is tempting, especially late at night. Please do not. Household superglue and other DIY adhesives are not designed for the mouth and are not safe there. The glue can damage the gum and the tooth, and it sets so quickly that the crown almost always ends up seated slightly wrong, trapping bacteria underneath and throwing your bite out. Worse still, a superglued crown often cannot be removed without cutting it off or harming the tooth beneath, so a five minute recementing job can turn into a brand new crown or a far more involved repair. Whatever the internet suggests at 2am, superglue makes things worse, not better.

Easing the discomfort in the meantime

If the tooth is tender, ordinary painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen usually help. Follow the instructions on the packet and check they are suitable for you, especially if you are pregnant or take other medicines. Never place an aspirin against the gum, as it burns the tissue.

Chew on the other side, stick to lukewarm food and drink, avoid anything very hot, cold or sugary, and try smearing a little sensitive toothpaste over the exposed area. Keep the tooth clean with gentle brushing. A tooth that is kept clean is far more comfortable than one packed with food debris.

Warning signs: when to call urgently

Some situations should move you from "book me in soon" to "I am calling now". Call us urgently, whatever the hour, if you notice any of the following: throbbing or severe pain that painkillers do not touch, or pain that wakes you at night; a swollen gum or a bad taste around the tooth, which can point to an abscess; a pink or red spot visible in the middle of the broken tooth, which can mean the nerve is exposed; a sharp edge cutting your tongue or cheek; bleeding that does not settle; or a tooth that has cracked or broken along with the lost crown or filling. Pain from an exposed or infected nerve tends to get worse rather than better, and the earlier it is treated, the more options you have.

How a lost crown or filling is repaired

The right fix depends on what we find. If the original crown is intact and the tooth beneath it is sound, it can often be cleaned and cemented straight back on. If a filling has been lost, the tooth is cleaned and rebuilt with a new filling. Where more of the tooth has broken away, it may need a larger rebuild or a new crown. And if decay or infection has reached the nerve, the tooth may need root canal treatment before it can be restored. Whatever the situation, we will examine the tooth properly, explain what we have found in plain language and talk you through the realistic options before anything is done. Our emergency dentist page, linked at the end of this page, covers how urgent appointments work.

When it is more than a dental problem

A small number of situations need hospital care rather than a dentist. Go to A&E or call 999 if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling that is spreading towards your eye or down your neck, a high temperature together with facial swelling, a serious injury to your face or jaw, or bleeding that will not stop. These signs can mean a spreading infection or a significant injury, and they need urgent hospital treatment, not a dental appointment.

If you would prefer the NHS out of hours route for dental problems, call NHS 24 on 111. They cover Scotland and can direct you to NHS urgent dental care.

Open when you need us

Day Night Dental is in Merchant City, Glasgow, and we are genuinely open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When you ring, our reception team answers the phone, day or night, and we will give you a clear answer: whether you need to be seen right away, or whether it can safely wait until morning. A lost crown or filling is very fixable, and it is far easier to fix early. If it has just happened, call us any time. We will take it from there.