Whether a filling has fallen out or a crown has come loose, knowing the difference helps you act quickly and get the right care.
Losing a filling or a crown can be uncomfortable and unsettling — but the two situations are not the same. The level of urgency, the risk to your tooth, and the treatment required can differ considerably.
This guide explains the key differences so you can take the right steps quickly. Whether you need a simple replacement filling or emergency crown re-cementation, understanding your situation helps you make an informed decision.
Treatment suitability always depends on individual clinical assessment. The information below is for general guidance only.
Type of restoration
Filling
Fills a cavity within the tooth structure
Crown
Covers and encases the entire visible tooth
Severity of exposure
Filling
Inner tooth exposed — risk of sensitivity and decay
Crown
Prepared tooth stump exposed — vulnerable to fracture
Pain risk
Filling
Moderate — sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet
Crown
Moderate to high — sharp edges may irritate tongue and gums
Urgency level
Filling
Should be seen within a few days
Crown
Should be seen as soon as possible — ideally within 24–48 hours
Temporary solutions
Filling
Over-the-counter temporary filling material
Crown
Temporary dental cement or denture adhesive to re-seat crown
Long-term fix
Filling
New composite or amalgam filling; onlay if extensive
Crown
Re-cementation if crown is intact; new crown if damaged
Indicative cost (UK)
Filling
From approximately £92.50*
Crown
From approximately £495*
Risk if untreated
Filling
Decay progression, possible infection, tooth fracture
Crown
Tooth fracture, shifting bite, infection of the prepared tooth
*Indicative prices. Final costs depend on clinical findings. See full treatment fees.
A dental filling restores a tooth after decay has been removed. When a filling falls out, the cavity is left exposed — creating a space where bacteria and food debris can accumulate rapidly.
Your dentist will assess the remaining tooth structure to determine the most suitable approach. Options typically include:
A dental crown is a cap that fits over a damaged or heavily treated tooth — often one that has had a root canal. When the crown detaches, it leaves the prepared tooth stump exposed and vulnerable.
If you still have the crown, keep it safe and bring it to your appointment. Your dentist will assess whether:
A filling restores part of a tooth, while a crown encases the entire visible structure. Losing a crown leaves significantly more tooth surface exposed and at risk.
Both situations can cause discomfort, but a lost crown is generally more urgent. The prepared tooth beneath a crown is often weakened or root-treated, making it more susceptible to fracture if left unprotected.
Replacing a filling is usually a single, straightforward appointment. Crown treatment may involve re-cementation (simple) or fabrication of a new crown (two visits), depending on the condition of the original restoration.
A missing filling allows bacteria into the cavity, which can lead to deeper decay. A missing crown exposes a structurally compromised tooth that could fracture — sometimes irreparably.
Filling replacement is generally more affordable. Crown re-cementation is cost-effective, but a new crown is a larger investment. Seeking timely treatment may help avoid more complex and costly care later.
Advantages
Considerations
Advantages
Considerations
*Prices are indicative and may vary following clinical assessment. View our full fee guide for a detailed breakdown.
Every case is different. Use the guidance below as a starting point — your dentist will confirm the most appropriate treatment after examination.
If a small filling has come out and the tooth is not heavily broken down, a replacement composite filling is usually the simplest and most cost-effective solution.
If you have lost a crown — particularly from a root-treated or structurally weakened tooth — re-cementation or a new crown offers the most reliable long-term protection.
Significant sensitivity or throbbing pain warrants same-day attention. An emergency examination can determine whether the nerve is at risk and provide immediate relief.
For larger restorations or teeth under heavy biting forces, a crown or onlay provides superior strength compared to a standard filling.
Our experienced team can assess your tooth, explain your options, and provide prompt treatment — often on the same day. No referral needed.
Our emergency dentist in the City of London and South Kensington clinics welcome new patients — no registration required.