It often happens when you least expect it. You’re enjoying a meal, talking with a friend, or simply going about your day when you feel something hard and tooth shaped come loose in your mouth.
The sudden realization that your dental crown has fallen out can be really unsettling. Your mind might race with questions. Is this an emergency? What should I do with the crown? Will it be painful?
First things first, take a deep breath. While it’s important to see your dentist soon, a lost crown is a common dental issue and is almost always fixable. Knowing what to do in the moments after it happens can protect your tooth, ease your discomfort, and make the repair process much smoother. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do, step by step.
Don’t Worry, We Can Fix It! What to Do When Your Dental Crown Falls Off
Step 1: Stay Calm and Find the Crown
Your first job is to find the crown if you can. Carefully pick it up and try not to drop it down the sink drain. We have all had that fear. Handle it gently once you have it. Hold it by the outside surface, the part that looks like a tooth, and try to avoid touching the inner hollowed-out area.
Give it a quick rinse with warm water to clean off any debris. Don’t use soap or scrub it, as this could damage it. Now, take a look at it. Is it in one piece, or do you see any cracks or chips? If it looks intact, there’s a good chance your dentist can recement it.
If it’s broken, don’t worry. Your dentist will simply make a new one. Either way, put it in a small, secure container or a plastic bag to keep it safe until your appointment.
Step 2: Protect Your Exposed Tooth
This is a crucial step. The tooth underneath the crown is now unprotected and is likely to be very sensitive to air, temperature, and pressure. It might feel rough or sharp to your tongue.
To protect it until you see the dentist, you should avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Try to avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks as well.
You can find a temporary solution at your local pharmacy. Look for dental cement or dental wax in the oral care aisle. Dental cement is designed for this exact situation. You can use it to temporarily glue the crown back in place.
A small piece of dental wax will work perfectly if you just want to cover the sharp edges of the tooth. Just follow the package instructions carefully. This temporary fix will shield the tooth and make you much more comfortable.
A very important warning: never use super glue or any household adhesive to try and stick the crown back on. These products aren’t safe for use inside your mouth and can seriously damage your tooth. The temporary solutions from the pharmacy are made specifically for this purpose and are much safer.
Step 3: Call Your Dentist Promptly
Even with a temporary fix, you need to see a professional. Give your dentist a call and explain what happened. Be sure to tell them if you’re in any pain or if the tooth is extremely sensitive. This information helps them understand how urgent the situation is.
Most dental offices set aside time in their schedule for exactly these kinds of issues. They’ll get you in as soon as possible, often within a day or two. Trying to go without a crown for too long can cause more problems. The unprotected tooth could shift position, become more damaged, or develop decay. This might require a more complex procedure like a root canal.
Why Did This Happen? Understanding the Causes
It’s helpful to understand why a crown might come off so you can prevent it in the future. Common reasons include the cement washing out. Over many years, the dental adhesive that holds the crown on can simply wear away. Another reason is decay underneath. If a cavity forms on the tooth underneath the crown, it can create a gap and weaken the crown’s fit.
Biting forces can also be a culprit. Chewing on very hard foods, ice, or hard objects can sometimes pop a crown off. Habits like clenching or grinding your teeth also put a lot of stress on crowns.
Your Trusted Partner for Dental Repairs in Durham
At Oak Grove Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we know that dental mishaps are stressful. If your dental crown has decided to take an unscheduled vacation, our compassionate team is here to help you quickly and comfortably. We’ll see you as soon as possible, assess the situation, and get your smile back to full strength. We can often recement your existing crown. If you need a new one, we can craft a beautiful replacement.
You don’t have to endure the discomfort and worry of a lost crown. Call our Durham, NC dental practice at 919-899-4467 today or request an appointment online.