A dental crown can last for fifteen years or more with proper care, but accidents and unforeseen circumstances can cause them to fall out long before they are due to be replaced. It might happen as a result of an injury or your crown might break off when you’re in the middle of eating. In any case, it’s best to know what to do in this situation before it happens. Here’s what to do while waiting for your emergency dentist’s appointment after your dental crown becomes dislodged from your tooth.
Immediately After Your Dental Crown Falls Out
When you realize that your crown has become dislodged, the first order of business is to locate it and put it in a safe place if you can. If it falls out in your mouth, do your best not to swallow it. A crown that has fallen from a tooth can often be reattached if it is still functional. If the missing crown cannot be located, it can still be replaced.
The next thing to do is to call your dentist to make an emergency appointment so your crown can be repaired or replaced. Tell them about your situation and they will be happy to pencil you in so you can get the treatment you need.
Caring for the Mouth After Losing a Dental Crown
There are a few steps you should take at home to care for your mouth while waiting for your emergency dental crown appointment. These include:
- Clean the tooth that was covered by the crown gently using nonabrasive toothpaste. It may be sensitive and vulnerable to further damage.
- Clean every exterior and interior surface of the crown, taking care not to damage it any further. Remove any debris from inside it.
- You can temporarily reattach the crown if you know exactly how it fits on the tooth. Repositioning it incorrectly could create an uneven bite, potentially causing damage to the crown or the teeth.
- Place a tiny dab of toothpaste or temporary dental cement inside the crown before putting it back in place.
- Do not use any adhesive product, medical or otherwise, that isn’t specifically designed to replace dental crowns.
- Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth that had the crown.
At the Dentist’s Office
If the tooth and its crown are both undamaged, your dentist may be able to cement them back together easily. However, if the tooth, the crown, or the gum has sustained damage, the repair procedure will be more complicated. If your crown has been lost, you may be fitted with a temporary replacement while a new one is being manufactured.
The loss of a dental crown is a fairly common problem for a dentist to treat. If you ever find yourself in this situation, take care of your tooth, make an appointment with your dentist, and, if you can, keep track of the crown, and your smile will be back to its old beautiful self again soon enough.
About the Practice
Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry of the Keys goes above and beyond to make sure smiles shine with a healthy, happy glow in Big Pine Key, FL. Led by Drs. Amanda Cobb and Dan Mazor, the dedicated staff provides dental care that exceeds expectations in every way. Services include general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. If your dental crown has fallen out, dial (305) 680-1553 or contact the office online to schedule an appointment.