Your dental crown was designed to protect your damaged or decayed tooth from further injury, all the while looking and feeling as though there was never a problem. But despite their durability and natural appearance, dental crowns weren’t intended to last forever. In fact, even the most well-cared for restorations will need to be replaced after about ten years. But what happens if you lose it before then? Here’s a guide for how to handle this type of dental emergency, and what you can do to protect your smile from it happening again!
My Crown Just Fell Out! Now What?
Losing a crown can be quite alarming, even if it’s completely painless. Still, it is important in this situation to remain calm and be extremely cautious. First, remove the crown from your mouth. If it is whole, rinse it off and put it somewhere safe. If it is damaged, find as many of the pieces as possible and be careful not to swallow any of them.
If the crown is still in one piece, you may be able to temporarily reattach it until you can be seen by your emergency dentist. First, clean it well by brushing it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. Next, gently brush your teeth so they are clear of any debris or food particles. Ensure that the crown still fits on your tooth, but do not force it in place. If it doesn’t fit, do not try to “make” it fit; if it does fit, you can attempt to put it back on by either holding it on with some sugarless gum or by using a temporary dental adhesive available at your pharmacy. Remember these are only designed to be temporary and you should be seen by a dentist to ensure that your underlying tooth is healthy.
Next, call your dentist. While a lost crown is not an urgent matter, it is still a dental emergency, and you’ll need to be seen as soon as possible to have it remade or reattached.
Protecting Your New or Reattached Crown
Once your dentist can either reattach your old crown or replace it with a new one, be sure to take excellent care of it going forward. Prosthetics can be brushed with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste and should be flossed daily along with your natural teeth. However, be careful when doing so, as sometimes dental floss can get caught underneath them and pull them loose (especially temporary crowns).
Furthermore, it is important to visit your dentist every six months for your regular biannual exam and cleaning appointments. These are your opportunities for valuable dental screenings for things like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. They are also a great time for your dentist to check that your crowns and other restorations are in good condition and not in danger of coming loose.
Remember, it can be very alarming to lose a dental crown but acting calmly and quickly can help protect your teeth and restore your smile as fast as possible during a dental emergency!
About Dr. Geer
Just a few moments with Dr. James Geer and you’ll understand why his loyal patients insisted on luring him out of retirement and back into dentistry again! After earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas at Houston, Dr. Geer began practicing right here in Tomball in 1977. Since then, he has undertaken extensive training in oral surgery and extractions, as well as participated as an active member of the American Dental Association, the State of Texas Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Willowbrook Dental Study Club, and the Greater Houston Dental Society. If you have lost a dental crown and need urgent care, please call us directly at 281-357-4337 for faster service.