Is a Lost Crown or Filling a Dental Emergency?

In this video, Dr. Robert Ellis explains how his office handles common issues like lost fillings and crowns, and when these situations count as true dental emergencies.

If a filling falls out but you’re not in pain, it’s usually not considered a true dental emergency. We’ll schedule you for the next day or as soon as possible to get it repaired. However, if the filling came out because of decay and the tooth is sensitive, throbbing, or achy, it may be approaching the point of needing a root canal. In that case, we may prescribe antibiotics over the phone and then bring you in as soon as possible.

Another common call we get is about a crown that has popped off. If the crown is hollow, you can place a small amount of Vaseline inside and gently press it back onto the tooth as a temporary fix until you can come in. But if there’s material inside the crown, that’s actually part of your tooth, and it’s not a simple fix. You’ll likely need the tooth rebuilt and a new crown made.

If you’re in pain, we do everything possible to see you the same day. If you’re out of town and not in pain, the Vaseline trick is usually enough to get you by for a day or two until you can return and have us permanently re-cement the crown.

If you or someone you love is experiencing a dental emergency, contact Dr. Robert Ellis in Rigby, ID, today to receive immediate care. We prioritize relieving pain and improving your oral health so you can get back to living your life.

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