What to Do If Your Dental Crown Falls Off

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May 3, 2021

If your tooth was knocked out, that’s obviously a much more time-sensitive situation than if your dental crown had fallen out. However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t still call your dentist. After all, dental crowns in Conyers are designed to protect your teeth, so your oral health could be in jeopardy if one falls off. While you wait for your appointment, here’s what you need to know about handling a lost dental crown at home.

 

Is a Lost Dental Crown a True Emergency?

Theoretically, yes, but the urgency of your situation can vary. To find out whether you should hop in the car immediately or wait at home for a couple of days, take a closer look at the crown as well as the underlying tooth.

If parts of the crown are still attached, the tooth has sharp edges that could damage your soft tissues, or you’re experiencing severe pain, tell your dental team over the phone. They’ll get you an appointment as soon as possible. If, however, the crown came clean off and you’re not in pain, you can probably wait a couple of days to see your dentist. In the meantime, you can use a dab of toothpaste, denture adhesive, or petroleum jelly to temporarily reattach the crown to your tooth.

Avoid Chewing on That Side of Your Mouth

If your crown has fallen off, the tooth underneath it is now exposed and more vulnerable. Even if you can place the crown back onto the tooth, you should try your best to NOT chew with that area of your mouth. This will not only prevent excess pressure against the tooth, but it will also minimize the risk of food particles sticking to the tooth and causing cavities.

You should also stay away from foods that are particularly sticky or chewy, as they could make your crown come off again. The tooth might be sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks (coffee, ice cream, etc.) so you may want to avoid those as well.

Be Careful with Your Oral Hygiene

Just because your crown fell off doesn’t mean you shouldn’t continue brushing and flossing. Instead, just be gentle when cleaning your mouth. Again, the tooth will likely be a bit more sensitive than usual.

When dealing with a lost dental crown, the most important thing to remember is to call your dentist in Conyers and give them as many details about the situation as possible. They’ll take it from there, but until then, keep the above tips in mind.

About the Author

Dr. Anushka Amin earned her doctorate in dentistry from the Medical College of Georgia. She currently stays an active member of the American Dental Association, the Georgia Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Hinman Dental Society, and the Spear Education Study Club. If you need help with a lost dental crown, visit her website or call (678) 607-8757.

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