Broken Filling or Crown
Some patients suddenly notice a filling has fallen out while eating, a crown has come loose, or a tooth feels different when biting. Whether it is urgent or can wait a few days depends on what has happened. Knowing which applies saves unnecessary worry and helps protect the tooth underneath.
Or call us: +65 6904 8482
What can happen to a filling or crown?
Fillings and crowns are durable but not permanent. Over time they can crack, chip, wear down, or become loose. Understanding what has happened helps determine how soon you need to be seen.
Chipped or fractured filling
Part of the filling has broken away. The remaining filling may still be protecting the tooth adequately, or the exposed tooth structure may now be vulnerable to decay, sensitivity, or further fracture. A chipped filling often feels sharp or rough to the tongue. The urgency depends on how much of the filling remains and whether the tooth underneath is exposed.
Lost filling
The filling has come out completely. The cavity left behind exposes dentine which is sensitive and unprotected. Food can pack into the space and bacteria can re-enter. A lost filling should be assessed within a few days, sooner if there is pain or the tooth feels very sensitive. Do not leave it unattended for weeks as the underlying tooth can deteriorate quickly without its restoration.
​
If food is consistently getting stuck in the gap, see our food stuck between teeth page.
​
If you are wondering whether your old fillings need replacing more generally, see our replace old fillings page.
Chipped or cracked crown
A crown that has chipped or cracked may still be functional, or the structural integrity may be compromised depending on the extent of the damage. A small chip on a porcelain crown may be smoothed or repaired in some cases. A crown that has cracked through needs to be assessed to determine whether it can be repaired or needs to be replaced.
Loose or dislodged crown
A crown that feels loose, rocks when you bite, or has come off completely needs prompt assessment. The tooth underneath is not designed to function without its crown and can become sensitive, stained, or damaged quickly. Keep the crown if it has come off completely and bring it to your appointment. Do not use over-the-counter dental adhesives as a long-term solution.
Restoration that feels high or different when biting
A filling or crown that feels raised, uneven, or makes contact before the surrounding teeth may need a simple bite adjustment. This is a common issue after new restorations and is easily corrected. Left unaddressed, a high bite can cause the tooth and its supporting ligament to become sore from repeated overloading.
Is a broken filling or crown a dental emergency?
Not always. But some situations need prompt attention while others can safely wait a few days for a regular appointment.
Seek assessment as soon as possible if:
-
The tooth underneath the lost filling or crown is exposed and very sensitive
-
There is significant pain when biting or at rest
-
The crown has come off completely and the tooth feels sharp or unstable
-
There is swelling of the gum near the affected tooth
-
You suspect the tooth underneath may be broken or cracked
Can usually wait a few days if:
-
The filling has chipped but the tooth feels comfortable and is not sensitive
-
The crown is intact but feels slightly loose without significant discomfort
-
There is no pain and the area is not causing difficulty eating
Even when it can wait, do not leave a broken filling or crown unattended for weeks. The longer the tooth is unprotected, the greater the risk of decay, sensitivity, or further damage that makes treatment more complex.
What does treatment for a broken filling or crown involve?
Treatment depends on what has happened, how much natural tooth structure remains, and the condition of the tooth underneath the restoration.
Assessment first
Before any treatment is planned, the tooth is examined and X-rays are taken to check the condition of the tooth root and surrounding bone. This determines whether the tooth can simply be restored, or whether further treatment such as root canal treatment is needed before a new restoration can be placed.
Replacing a filling
A lost or broken filling is replaced with a new tooth-coloured composite restoration. If the filling was large or the remaining tooth structure is limited, a dental crown may be recommended to provide better long-term protection for the tooth.
Repairing or replacing a crown
A chipped porcelain crown may be smoothable or repairable in some cases. A crown that has cracked through or has come off and cannot be recemented will need to be replaced. Crown replacement involves taking an impression and having a new crown made. A temporary crown is placed in the meantime to protect the tooth.
When root canal treatment is needed first
If the tooth underneath the broken restoration is found to have an infected or inflamed pulp, root canal treatment is carried out before the final restoration is placed. This is more common in teeth with large fillings or crowns that have been in place for many years.
Bite adjustment
If a restoration feels high or uneven, a simple bite adjustment is carried out at the chairside. This takes only a few minutes and usually resolves the discomfort immediately.
Restorative dental care at Penn Pacific Dental Center
Dr. Chrissie Lam
Fillings, crowns, and restorative dental care at Penn Pacific Dental Center are carried out by Dr. Chrissie Lam. She assesses each situation carefully before recommending any treatment, and explains the options clearly before anything is decided.
​
Dr. Chrissie Lam trained at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco and holds an undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley. She has been based in Singapore since 2013.
​
Common questions about broken fillings and crowns
My filling fell out. What should I do?
Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side. Try not to leave it unattended for more than a few days as the exposed tooth can become sensitive, trap food, and start to decay. Contact us to arrange an assessment as soon as possible. If there is significant pain or sensitivity, treat it as more urgent.
My crown came off. Can I put it back myself?
Do not use household adhesives. Some over-the-counter dental cements can be used as a very short-term measure to protect the tooth, but this is not a substitute for proper assessment. Bring the crown with you to your appointment. In many cases the crown can be recemented if the tooth underneath is in good condition. If the crown or the tooth is damaged, a new crown may need to be made.
Is it safe to eat with a broken filling?
Avoid chewing on the affected side where possible. Hard or sticky foods can worsen the damage or dislodge more of the filling. Soft foods on the other side of the mouth are generally fine while you wait for your appointment.
Why did my filling or crown break?
Fillings and crowns are durable but not permanent. They can fracture from biting forces, grinding, a crack developing in the underlying tooth, or simply from age and wear. Older fillings in particular can weaken over time and eventually fail. In some cases recurrent decay underneath the restoration can also contribute.
Do I always need a crown after a broken filling?
Not always. If enough tooth structure remains and the filling can be replaced cleanly, a new filling may be sufficient. However, when a filling is large, has broken repeatedly, or the remaining tooth structure is thin, a crown provides better long-term protection. The assessment determines which is appropriate for your specific tooth.
Is Penn Pacific Dental Center near Tanjong Pagar MRT?
Yes. The clinic is at 160 Robinson Road, #05-14 SBF Center, a short walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT (East-West Line). It is also accessible from Shenton Way MRT (Thomson-East Coast Line) and Telok Ayer MRT (Downtown Line).
Get your filling or crown assessed
A broken filling or crown is worth getting checked sooner rather than later. Penn Pacific Dental Center is at 160 Robinson Road, near Tanjong Pagar MRT. WhatsApp us or call and we will arrange an appointment with Dr. Lam as soon as possible. First-time patients are welcome.
Or call us: +65 6904 8482