What Should I Do if I Lose a Dental Crown?

Your dental crown falling out is an understandably stressful situation. While losing a dental crown isn’t the worst crisis you can have, it’s still important to get professional care to address the issue as soon as you can. While a lost crown may be able to be repaired in some cases, it may need to be replaced if it is old or considerably worn down. Here’s what to do if your crown ever falls out.

What Should I Do When My Crown Falls Out?

If you’re expecting to simply eat your sandwich during your lunch break as usual, it can be distressing to take a bite and find that you suddenly have a loose dental crown floating around in your mouth. If this happens or if it gets knocked out of the mouth, you should take care to retrieve the crown so you can bring it to your dentist. It is quite likely that they will be able to clean it and place it back in your mouth. After you have the crown secured, call the dentist to make an appointment. Ask your dentist if they have any special instructions you need to follow until your scheduled time in the office.

In some cases, your dentist will suggest that you attempt to place the crown back into its spot. This will require you to gently clean the interior of the crown with toothpaste and then use dental adhesive to temporarily stick the crown back into place on your tooth. Temporary dental cement can be purchased at a grocery store or a pharmacy.

What Should I Not Do After My Dental Crown Falls Out?

The first rule of caring for a lost dental crown is to not swallow it. Until your dentist has had the opportunity to address your lost crown, you should take special care when eating. It is best to stick to consuming liquids and soft foods until your appointment. A few other rules to follow include:

• Stay away from foods that are chewy, hard, or sticky.
• Try not to chew on the side of the mouth that has lost a crown.
• Take care to be gentle when you brush your teeth.

It’s best to know how to think clearly in stressful situations. While it’s important to have a lost dental crown addressed by a dental professional, keeping these tips in mind until your appointment will maximize your chances of securing a more favorable result.

About the Author

Dr. Sienna Palmer earned her dental doctorate at the distinguished Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California, and she has continued to pursue her education to stay up to date on the latest advancements in dentistry. She is working towards her fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry and is a member of the American Dental Association. Her office in Mission Viejo, CA offers general, pediatric, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as dental crown treatments. If you have lost a dental crown, contact her office online or dial (949) 365-0951.