Temporary Filling or Crown Replacement
in San Francisco
Anchor Dental (West Portal)
345 W Portal Ave #210, San Francisco, CA 94127
At Anchor Dental in West Portal, San Francisco, we offer temporary filling and crown replacement for patients who have lost or damaged their restorations. Whether your crown has come loose or your temporary filling has fallen out, timely care prevents sensitivity, infection, and further damage. Our team provides quick, reliable repair or replacement options — ensuring you stay comfortable and protected until a permanent restoration can be placed.
Fast, comfortable restoration when your crown or filling comes loose
At Anchor Dental in West Portal, San Francisco, we provide temporary filling and crown replacement services to protect and restore teeth when a restoration becomes loose, damaged, or lost.
A missing crown or filling can leave a tooth exposed to temperature changes, bacteria, and discomfort. Our team offers to stabilize and protect the area — ensuring you can eat, speak, and smile comfortably while your permanent restoration is being made.
We focus on fast, gentle treatment and precise fit, so your temporary feels secure until your final crown or filling is ready.
Why crowns or fillings come loose
Even well-made restorations can shift or fall out over time due to:
- Natural wear and tear on the cement or adhesive
- Tooth decay developing underneath
- Biting hard foods (ice, nuts, or hard candy)
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- A damaged or fractured tooth structure beneath the crown
When this happens, timely replacement or reattachment is important — not only to stop sensitivity but also to prevent bacteria from reaching the inner tooth.
What to do if your crown or filling falls out
If a crown or filling comes loose:
- Do not use glue or adhesive. Avoid trying to reattach it at home.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Store the crown (if intact) in a small container or plastic bag — we may be able to reuse it.
- Avoid chewing on that side until your appointment.
- Call Anchor Dental for a same-day visit.
Even if there’s no pain, a missing restoration leaves the tooth vulnerable and should be addressed quickly.
Our process for temporary filling or crown replacement
1. Examination and cleaning
We first check the tooth and restoration to determine whether the crown or filling can be reattached or needs replacement.
Any debris or old cement is gently cleaned away to prepare a smooth surface.
2. Re-cementing the existing crown (if possible)
If your original crown is undamaged and still fits properly, we’ll clean, disinfect, and re-cement it in place using high-strength dental adhesive.
3. Placement of a temporary crown or filling
If your permanent restoration needs to be remade, we’ll fabricate a temporary crown or filling right away. This protects the tooth from heat, cold, and bacteria.
Temporary crowns are made from durable acrylic or composite material and shaped to restore your normal bite.
4. Fabrication of your permanent crown or filling
We take digital impressions or scans to create a precise model for your new restoration.
Our trusted Bay Area partner labs craft the final crown or filling using strong, natural-looking materials such as porcelain, zirconia, or composite resin.
Why temporaries matter
A temporary restoration may be short-term, but it plays a vital role in:
- Protecting exposed dentin and nerves from sensitivity
- Maintaining gum shape for the permanent crown
- Preventing shifting of adjacent or opposing teeth
- Allowing you to chew comfortably until your final restoration is placed
Well-made temporaries allow you to live normally during the short wait for your final restoration.
How long do temporary crowns or fillings last?
Temporary crowns typically last two to four weeks, depending on the material and bite pressure.
If needed, we can re-cement or remake them for longer-term use while your final restoration is being prepared.
We’ll schedule your follow-up visit as soon as your permanent crown or filling arrives from the lab — usually within 7–10 business days.
Caring for your temporary restoration
To make sure your temporary stays in place and comfortable:
- Avoid sticky or hard foods (caramel, nuts, chewing gum).
- Chew on the opposite side when possible.
- Brush gently around the area using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- When flossing, slide the floss out sideways instead of pulling upward.
- Contact us if you feel looseness or sensitivity.
With these small habits, most patients have no issues until their permanent restoration is ready.
Materials we use for replacements
At Anchor Dental, we use high-quality, biocompatible materials that ensure durability and natural appearance.
- Acrylic and composite resins for temporary crowns or fillings
- Porcelain and zirconia for final crowns
- Tooth-colored composites for permanent fillings
These materials are chosen for strength, comfort, and how naturally they blend with your surrounding teeth.
Local connection — West Portal and surrounding neighborhoods
In a city like San Francisco, where schedules are packed and meals often happen on the go, losing a crown or filling isn’t rare. Many of our West Portal, Inner Sunset, and Noe Valley patients stop by for same-day fixes between meetings or errands. Our team is trained to restore function quickly without compromising precision — a practical approach for busy lifestyles.
Common questions
Can I eat with a temporary crown?
Yes, but stick to soft foods and avoid sticky or crunchy items until your permanent crown is placed.
Does a temporary filling hurt?
No. It’s a painless process, though mild sensitivity is possible for a day or two.
How long can I keep a temporary crown?
While they can last a few weeks, they’re not meant for long-term use. We’ll replace it with your final crown as soon as possible.
Can you reuse my old crown?
Yes — if it’s intact and fits properly, we can re-cement it the same day.
What happens if I swallow a crown?
Don’t panic — crowns are small and usually pass naturally. Call us to arrange a replacement right away.
Why San Francisco patients choose Anchor Dental
- Same-day emergency care for broken or missing crowns and fillings
- Digital scans for quick, accurate replacement
- Durable, natural-looking materials
- Gentle, comfortable techniques for sensitive teeth
Under the care of Dr. Esra Salihoglu Yener, DDS, PhD, you’ll receive efficient, detail-oriented service with long-lasting results.
Schedule temporary filling or crown replacement in San Francisco
If your crown or filling has come loose or fallen out, don’t wait — exposed teeth can become sensitive or infected quickly. At Anchor Dental, we offer same-day protection and long-term solutions to keep your smile healthy and functional.
Expertise and Experience
Dr. Yener has extensive experience in dentistry and is skilled in crafting and placing all types of crowns. You can trust that you are in capable hands.
Personalized Care
At Anchor Dental, we tailor our treatments to meet your individual needs and preferences. Dr. Yener will work closely with you to determine the best crown material and design for your specific situation.
State-of-the-Art Technology
Our practice utilizes advanced dental technology to ensure precise measurements and high-quality results. We strive to provide the best possible care with the latest innovations in dentistry.
Quick, precise, and comfortable — because every tooth deserves protection.