A high-quality dental crown may last for a decade or longer. Sadly, though, crowns do eventually reach the end of their life expectancy. In some cases, they even fall out at the most inconvenient time! What steps should you take if you lose a dental crown? It is important that you act quickly to protect your exposed tooth and get your oral health and function back on track. Here is some practical guidance to help you navigate the situation:
Schedule a Dental Appointment
As soon as you notice that your crown is no longer on your tooth, call your dentist to request emergency care. Most practices are able to arrange their schedule to provide prompt treatment for urgent cases. The sooner you receive care, the less likely it is that your exposed tooth will suffer additional harm.
Attempt to Reattach Your Crown
If you still have your crown, you might be able to temporarily reattach it to your tooth while you are waiting for your dental appointment. Try these steps:
- Clean the restoration. Rinse your crown to rid it of debris and bacteria.
- Take a close look at the crown and your tooth. If you see significant damage on either your tooth or your crown, reattachment might not be advisable. Store the crown in a small container and bring it with you when you visit the dentist.
- Figure out how to place the crown. Trying to force the crown onto your tooth could cause damage to it or your oral tissues.
- Adhere the crown onto your tooth. A bit of toothpaste or temporary dental cement may work for this. Do not use superglue or other materials that are not meant for use in the mouth.
- Be careful. Your crown could easily fall off your tooth again, so do not use it to chew anything, and be very gentle when you are completing your daily oral hygiene routine.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
During your appointment, your dentist might be able to permanently recement the crown onto your tooth. However, if it or your tooth is damaged, your treatment plan might be more complex. You could need restorative care and/or a completely new crown.
A missing dental crown is an urgent and serious oral health problem! Take practical steps to handle the situation and safeguard your smile from further damage.
Meet the Practice
Our practice features a large team of general dentists and specialists. All of our skilled doctors and support staff are eager to provide top-quality care for our community. Often, we are able to welcome emergency patients on the same day they request an appointment. If you are dealing with a lost crown or another urgent situation, we invite you to call our Woodbridge office at 203-409-2535.