Dental crowns are deluxe tooth restorations that can help repair a tooth with excessive damage from infection, decay, or a crack or break. They fit over your natural tooth like a cap, and are cemented into place, where with proper care and use they should remain for up to ten years or more. But sometimes, accidents happen. Whether due to improper use, old age, or another reason, crowns can sometimes fall out without being removed by your dentist.
Though losing a dental crown can be somewhat alarming, there’s no reason to panic. Here are some simple steps you can take to protect your underlying tooth and the crown itself if yours falls out.
“My crown fell out. Now what?”
Picture this: you’re sitting on the couch, binge-watching the much-anticipated new season of your favorite show, all the while enjoying a bag of your favorite chips. All of a sudden, you hear a crunch that isn’t coming from the chips. Your dental crown has come off mid-munch! But what do you do next? Here’s how to handle being “dethroned” by your prosthetic!
Step One: Handle with Care
The first thing you should do if your crown comes out is to carefully remove it (and any possible broken pieces) from your mouth. Examine it closely to ensure that it’s either intact, or that you have cleared all the pieces out of your mouth, so you don’t accidentally swallow them or injure your other teeth.
Step Two: Clean Up
Now that you have retrieved the crown, place it somewhere safe and turn your attention to your natural tooth. Check to make sure it is still intact as well, and rinse away any food particles in your mouth. If you have access to a toothbrush and toothpaste, brush your teeth well to keep the tooth safe.
Next, it’s time to take a closer look at your crown. Rinse it off and then clean it well with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Rinse it well again. Is it in one piece? If so, you can attempt to place it back onto your tooth if both are clean. Do not force it onto the tooth if you cannot get it to fit. If it doesn’t fit, keep it somewhere safe and be sure to bring it with you to your dental appointment.
Step Three: Reattach Your Crown
If you have determined that your crown still fits, you can attempt to reattach it. You can do this with a tiny dab of toothpaste for the time being, however, this will not create a very powerful seal, so only do it as a temporary solution and try to avoid eating anything with it.
If you have temporary dental cement, you can use a small amount of that to hold it in place for a bit longer; however, please note that this is not meant to be a permanent fix and you will still need to see your dentist as soon as possible for a more lasting repair.
Step Four: Call Your Dentist
Next, call your dentist and schedule an emergency appointment. Be sure to bring the crown with you when you go. You may be able to reuse it if it’s in good condition and it still fits on your tooth. If not, your dentist can have a new crown customized for you. Your tooth will also be examined to ensure that it is still in good condition and does not require any further intervention.
Step Five: Aftercare
Once your crown is either reattached or you have been given a new one, be sure to care for it properly. You can brush and floss around your dental crowns just like you can with your real teeth; however, be careful not to get the floss caught underneath it, especially if you have a temporary crown, as this can dislodge it. Furthermore, be sure to maintain your regular schedule of seeing your dentist twice a year for check-ups and cleanings. This will help ensure that your crown is in good condition and will alert your dentist to any potential issues.
Remember, losing a crown can be a royal pain, but acting calmly and quickly can help ensure that your tooth and your restoration are safe.
About Our Practice
At Temple Choice Dental, our team of highly skilled and caring dentists all have the same goal: making a positive impact on their patients’ lives. Whether we’re treating a toothache, repairing a cavity, or reattaching a crown, we’ll treat you like royalty.
To schedule an appointment to have a crown replaced or reattached, please visit our website or call us today at 254-727-7144.