Losing a dental crown can be a stressful experience, especially if it happens unexpectedly while eating or brushing your teeth. But while missing a crown isn’t the same as missing a natural tooth, it’s still a serious situation and warrants a trip to your dentist’s office—after all, that tooth still needs protection and to be able to function correctly! If you’re worried about losing a crown, or if you’ve recently lost yours, here are some tips on how to handle the situation until you can seek treatment.
1. Find Your Crown
Locate the crown and retrieve it if possible; if you lost your crown without even realizing it, you may need to retrace your steps. If the crown came off in one piece, rinse it gently with water and store it in a clean container or plastic bag. You shouldn’t try to reattach it yourself using household items like superglue—this isn’t safe for your mouth at all, and you might also end up damaging the crown. You can temporarily reattach the crown if it’s still intact, using a tiny dab of toothpaste (or temporary crown cement) to create suction, but don’t try to force it.
2. Let Your Dentist Know
Your dentist is the one who placed your crown in the first place, meaning they’re the right person to call if you’ve lost or damaged yours. If the crown is still in good shape, it might be able to be reattached by your dentist; in other cases, it might need to be replaced entirely, such as if it’s sustained damage or if you were unable to retrieve it. Your dentist will let you know when you come in; sometimes a same-day appointment may be needed.
3. Tend to Your Tooth
Fortunately, a lost dental crown isn’t normally as serious (or painful) as losing a tooth, but some sensitivity is possible since the underlying tooth will be exposed. If you need to take an over-the-counter pain reliever to address this or use a cold compress, do so as you wait for your emergency appointment. Once you’ve seen your dentist, they’ll be able to address the crown and relieve any discomfort. Be sure to protect the tooth from further trauma by avoiding hard or chewy foods, and keep it clean since it’ll be extra vulnerable to bacteria.
About the Practice
Our team here at 21st Century Dental has been helping patients in Irving smile their brightest for several years. We proudly offer a wide range of services, including restorative options like dental crowns made from beautiful, durable materials and placed with care and precision. We also offer same-day emergency treatment. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (972) 255-3712.