There’s nothing quite like the panic that sets in when your kid runs up holding a piece of their tooth. One minute they’re happily munching on a granola bar, and the next they’re standing in front of you, confused, with what used to be their filling or crown sitting in their hand.
In pediatric dentistry, fillings and crowns are common for fixing damaged teeth. They’re made to last, but kids tend to put their teeth through a lot.
Fillings and crowns can come loose for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes it’s from eating something sticky like gummy bears. Other times, kids are just rough on their teeth. They chew on pencils, grind their teeth at night, or have other habits that wear things down. And sometimes, these things just happen for no clear reason.
The important thing to know is that once a filling or crown falls out, the tooth underneath is left unprotected. So while it might not always be a screaming emergency, it’s definitely something we need to address sooner rather than later.
Recognize the Signs of a Lost Filing or Crown in Kids
Sometimes kids will come right up to you holding their crown or filing. Other times, the signs are a lot more subtle.
Visible Gaps or Broken Pieces
The most obvious clue is when you can actually see a gap or a missing piece in the tooth. In some cases, the filling or crown comes out in one piece. Other times, it breaks apart and only part of it is left behind. If you notice something looks different about their tooth, it’s worth checking out.
Pain or Discomfort While Eating
We often hear from parents whose kids have been complaining about discomfort or pain, especially when eating. If your child suddenly starts avoiding certain foods or chewing only on one side of their mouth, that could be a sign something’s not right.
Sensitivity to Hot, Cold, or Sweets
Sensitivity to temperature is another red flag. If cold drinks, hot food, or even sweets suddenly make your child uncomfortable, the exposed part of the tooth could be to blame. Some kids will even avoid their favorite snacks without saying much, so keep an eye on any changes in their eating habits.
Read more: Ouch! Your Child Might be Dealing with Tooth Sensitivity
That “Something Feels Weird” Feeling
And then there’s the classic “something feels weird in my mouth.” Kids are usually quick to notice when something doesn’t feel right, even if they can’t explain it clearly. If they’re running their tongue over a certain spot or saying their tooth feels funny, take a closer look. It might be the first sign that a filling or crown has come loose.
If That Happens, Stay Calm. It’s Common
First things first, take a deep breath. We know it can be scary when something happens to your child’s tooth, but lost fillings and crowns are actually pretty common. It’s something we see all the time, and it’s almost always fixable.
This isn’t necessarily an emergency. We say “necessarily” because there are times when you should call us or your child’s dentist right away, like if there’s serious pain, swelling, bleeding, or recent trauma/injury.
Those are signs we need to take a look at sooner rather than later. But if the crown or filling just popped out and your child isn’t in distress, you have some time to handle this calmly.
What to Do Right Away
Rinse Their Mouth
Once you’ve made sure your child is okay, start by rinsing their mouth with warm water. This helps clear out any debris and gives you a better look at what’s going on. Use lukewarm water. Not hot, not cold. Just comfortably warm.
Save the Crown If You Can
If you’re able to find the lost crown, store it in a clean container. Just place it in a small container or plastic bag and bring it with you to the dentist.
Stick to Soft Foods
Until you see the dentist, keep your child on soft foods. Things like pasta, soup, mashed potatoes, and yogurt are good options. Avoid anything crunchy, sticky, or hard that could put pressure on the exposed tooth or get stuck where the filling or crown used to be.
Brush Gently Around the Area
Help your child keep the area clean by brushing gently around the tooth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid pressing too hard near the sensitive spot.
Manage Sensitivity
If your child’s tooth is now sensitive or experiencing discomfort, it is ok to administer OTC children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen as instructed on the package. Avoid extreme temperature foods, which could exacerbate the sensitivity.
What NOT to Do When a Filling or Crown Falls Out
Don’t Ignore It, Even If There’s No Pain
One of the most common mistakes we see is parents ignoring the issue because their child says it doesn’t hurt. Just because there’s no pain doesn’t mean the tooth is fine.
Sometimes the nerve inside the tooth is damaged in a way that reduces sensation at first. That exposed tooth is still vulnerable to decay and further damage, so it needs to be protected.
Call the Pediatric Dentist Sooner Than Later
We know life gets busy, and if your child isn’t in pain, it might be tempting to put it off. But it can lead to bigger issues. The longer the tooth stays exposed, the more likely it is to develop new problems that could have been avoided with early treatment.
When you call your child’s dentist, be ready to share a few details. We’ll want to know when the filling or crown came out, what your child was doing when it happened, and whether they’ve had any pain, swelling, or bleeding. If the tooth looks different or they’re acting differently while eating, that’s important too.
It’s also helpful to tell us if your child is avoiding certain foods, chewing on one side, or refusing cold or hot items. That kind of info helps us figure out how urgent the situation is and how quickly we should see them.
In most cases, we’ll want to see your child within a day or two. If there’s any pain, swelling, or signs of infection, we may need to bring them in sooner.
If you have any concerns about your child’s dental health, don’t wait to reach out. Call your local pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Even if you’re not sure it’s an emergency, our dental team at Lafayette Pediatric Dentistry is always here to answer your questions and guide you through what to do next.
Getting in touch early helps us give your child the right care at the right time, and gives you peace of mind knowing you’re doing what’s best for their oral health.