Dental crowns are used to restore compromised teeth after infection, injury, or dental procedures like root canals. They serve to protect these teeth from further injury and infection, so having one of them fall off a tooth can be an uncomfortable and distressing situation. You’ll need to see a dentist for repairs, but there are steps you can take to keep your tooth safe until then. Here are some tips for handling a lost dental crown until you can get to the emergency dentist’s office.
WHY WOULD A DENTAL CROWN FALL OUT?
Dental crowns can break for a variety of reasons. In some cases, the cement holding it in place is old and weakening. In others, tooth decay has set in under the crown, compromising its hold on the tooth. Other times, it can happen due to trauma to the mouth during activities like riding a bike or playing contact sports. A crown may also break off when you bite into or chew on some crunchy food item.
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN MY DENTAL CROWN FALLS OUT?
If you have lost a dental crown, the first thing to do is to find and secure it if possible, as it’s possible that your dentist can clean it and put it back in place. The next thing to do is to call your dentist’s office to make an appointment. Explain the situation and follow any instructions the office gives you. While the lost crown can sometimes be put back in place, it may need to be replaced altogether.
Only try to put the crown back in place if the dentist suggests doing so. They may recommend gently cleaning it with toothpaste before sticking it back in place with dental adhesive, a touch of toothpaste, or perhaps even sugar-free gum. This will temporarily hold the crown in place. In any case, avoid using the crown when chewing and stick to liquids and soft foods until you can have it replaced.
WHAT SHOULD I NOT DO IF I LOST A DENTAL CROWN?
There are a few things you should take care to avoid if you have just lost a dental crown. A few solid tips include:
- Don’t swallow the crown.
- Abstain from sticky, chewy, or crunchy foods.
- Take care to brush your teeth gently.
While losing a dental crown isn’t the worst oral health problem, it’s crucial to have it repaired by a dental professional. Knowing how to handle the situation before it happens can help you achieve the best possible result.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Landon Nguyen earned his dental degree at the New York University College of Dentistry before completing a General Practice Residency at the Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. His office in Aubrey, TX offers general, pediatric, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. If you have lost your dental crown, dial (940) 241-9993. If you’d like to schedule a routine dental exam, contact the office online.