It may be shocking to discover that you’ve lost your dental crown. What was once covering (and protecting) your weakened tooth has now fallen off, leaving the affected area exposed and vulnerable. What should you do? Instead of descending into panic, consider following these steps to manage the situation until you can get in to see your dentist for help.
How Can a Dental Crown Fall Off?
Dental crowns can sustain a secure bond for many years (15-20) if properly maintained; however, normal wear and tear will eventually require that you replace them. Continued use over time, though, may cause them to fall off, but this isn’t the only reason for crowns to become detached.
Facial trauma, biting down on something hard or sticky, or reinfection can occur. If bacteria reach the affected tooth, it can cause the crown to no longer fit correctly.
What Should You Do If the Crown Detaches?
There are several steps you can take if you discover that your crown has come off, including:
- Call your dentist: Alert your dentist’s office to your situation. Although this may not require a same-day visit, you can expect them to schedule an appointment for you to come in at a later date and time.
- Retrieve the crown: If you know where the crown is, retrieve it and place it in a small container. Bring it to your appointment so that your dentist can examine it. Depending on its status, the crown may still be in good enough shape to be bonded back into place.
- Clean it thoroughly: If the crown appears fully intact, you can clean it out before using temporary dental cement to try and put it back in your mouth. You’ll want to make sure you know how it fits over the tooth before attempting this step, as you don’t want to damage it or your tooth. If you don’t have dental cement, you can try using a small dab of toothpaste to hold it in place.
If reattaching it at home is not possible, do not worry. Just avoid chewing or eating with that side of your mouth so you do not further irritate the tooth. Also, be careful when brushing and flossing.
When arriving at your dentist’s office, they will determine if the crown can be re-bonded or if it needs to be replaced. No matter what kind of decision they make, you can trust that your tooth will remain protected against harmful bacteria and future damage.
About the Author
Dr. Nicholas Rowley is a dentist in Melbourne who completed his dental degree at Nova Southeastern University in 2010. Taking hundreds of continuing education courses since then, he remains an active member of multiple professional organizations and continues to deliver superior results to those who desire a healthier, more vibrant smile. Recognizing restorative care is a necessity – and oftentimes, cannot be avoided – he provides custom dental crowns for patients whose teeth need added protection against decay and damage. If you have recently lost a crown and need help to fix the problem, contact us at (321) 414-3005.