What to Do If Your Dental Crown Falls Out

The expected lifespan of a dental crown is usually around 10 to 15 years. But of course, that’s not always going to be the case; unfortunately, accidents that crack, chip, or even loosen a crown can happen at any time. A lost dental crown isn’t always an emergency, but it can sometimes reach that level – especially if the tooth it was attached to remains exposed for too long. The following steps can help you take care of a missing crown and protect your smile until your dentist can help.

1. Call Your Dentist Immediately

The sooner a dental crown in Westfield is replaced, the better! Your dentist will go ahead and schedule an emergency appointment for you so that you can be sure that you’ll get the care you need as quickly as possible.

2. Take the Crown Out of Your Mouth

It may be possible to reattach a fully intact crown – but that’s only if you still have it. Take the restoration out of your mouth as soon as you realize it has come loose. It will be harmless if swallowed, but it also won’t do your tooth any good in the future.

3. Avoid Using the Tooth to Bite or Chew

Most of the time, a crown is placed on an already damaged or sensitive tooth. This helps protect from infection and prevents it from breaking further. However, once the crown is gone, the tooth will likely be very sensitive and vulnerable. You’ll need to be very gentle with it until it can be restored again. That means you shouldn’t use the affected side of your mouth to chew at all. Furthermore, you need to stick with soft foods until your appointment.

4. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

To keep your mouth safe until the vulnerable tooth is covered again, brush thoroughly and carefully at least twice a day. Doing so will lower the risk of an infection occurring in the tooth, which could lead to much bigger issues.

5. Try to Reattach the Crown if Possible

You can temporarily reattach a lost crown in order to keep the tooth safe. To do so, clean the tooth area very carefully with sensitive toothpaste and remove any debris from the crown itself. You can use a tiny dab of toothpaste or crown cement to hold the crown in place on the tooth. (Under no circumstances should you use superglue or any other sticky substance that was not specifically designed for this exact treatment.)

Remember, dental crowns aren’t meant to last forever. Having one fall out is perfectly normal and can be dealt with quite easily as long as you take the proper steps. If you have any other questions about saving a lost porcelain crown in Westfield, talk to your dentist; it’s always better to be prepared long before the worst actually happens.

About the Author

Dr. David M. Weinman has been interested in science and art ever since he was a young man, and dentistry has given him a chance to combine these two passions. He has completed hundreds of hours of education in cosmetic dentistry, allowing him to design and place beautiful, lifelike restorations. If you have lost a crown, get in touch with his practice by calling (908) 654-7200. You can also contact him through his website.