It happens at the worst possible moment. You’re enjoying a meal, flossing, or even just talking, and you feel something hard and tooth-shaped come loose in your mouth. The sudden realization that a dental crown has fallen out can be really unsettling.
Your mind might race with questions like: Is this an emergency? What should I do with the crown? Will it be painful?
First things first, take a deep breath. While it’s important to see your dentist soon, a lost crown is a common dental issue and is almost always fixable. Knowing what to do in the moments after it happens can protect your tooth, ease your discomfort, and make the repair process much smoother. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do, step by step, to get your smile back on track.
A Step-by-Step Guide for When Your Dental Crown Falls Off
Step 1: Stay Calm and Retrieve the Crown
Your first job is to find the crown if you can. Carefully pick it up and try not to drop it down the sink drain. We’ve all had that fear! Once you have it, handle it gently. Hold it by the outside surface and try to avoid touching the inner, hollowed-out area.
Give it a quick rinse with warm water to clean off any debris. Don’t use soap or scrub it, as this could damage it. Now, take a look at it. Is it in one piece, or do you see any cracks or chips?
If it looks intact, there’s a good chance your dentist can recement it. If it’s broken, don’t worry. Your dentist will simply make a new one. Either way, put it in a secure container or a plastic bag to keep it safe until your appointment.
Step 2: Protect Your Exposed Tooth
This is a crucial step. The tooth underneath the crown is now unprotected and is likely to be very sensitive to air, temperature, and pressure. It might feel rough or sharp to your tongue.
Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth to protect it until you see the dentist. Try to avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks.
You can find a temporary solution at your local pharmacy. Look for dental cement or dental wax in the oral care aisle. Dental cement is designed for this exact situation. You can use it to temporarily glue the crown back in place.
If you just want to cover the sharp edges of the tooth, a small piece of dental wax will work perfectly. Just follow the package instructions carefully. This temporary fix will shield the tooth and make you much more comfortable.
Step 3: Call Your Dentist ASAP
Even with a temporary fix, you need to see a professional. Give your dentist a call and explain what happened. Be sure to tell them if you’re in any pain or if the tooth is extremely sensitive. This information helps them understand how urgent the situation is.
Most dental offices set aside time in their schedule for exactly these kinds of issues. They’ll get you in as soon as possible, often within a day or two. Trying to go without a crown for too long can lead to more problems. The unprotected tooth could shift position, become more damaged, or develop decay, which might lead to the need for a more complex procedure like a root canal.
Step 4: Managing Discomfort at Home
It’s normal to feel some tenderness or sensitivity. If you feel uncomfortable, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, always following the directions on the label.
A warm saltwater rinse can also be very soothing. Just mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it gently around your mouth for about 30 seconds. This can keep the area clean and reduces inflammation.
Step 5: Adjust Your Eating Habits Temporarily
Think of this as a short-term diet for the sake of your smile! To prevent any further damage, it’s best to stick to soft foods that require little chewing. Great options include:
- Soups and broths (let them cool a bit first!)
- Yogurt, pudding, and applesauce
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes or pasta
- Smoothies
It’s especially important to avoid anything sticky that could pull at the tooth, and anything hard that could crack it.
Why Did This Happen? Understanding the Causes
It’s helpful to understand why a crown might come off so you can prevent it in the future. Common reasons include:
- The Cement Washing Out: Over many years, the dental adhesive that holds the crown on can simply wear away.
- Decay Underneath: If a cavity forms on the natural tooth underneath the crown, it can create a gap, weakening the crown’s fit.
- Biting Forces: Chewing on very hard foods, ice, or hard objects can sometimes pop a crown off. Habits like clenching or grinding your teeth (especially at night) also put a lot of stress on crowns.
Your Trusted Partner for Dental Repairs in South Tampa
At Historic Hyde Park Dentistry, we know that dental mishaps are stressful. If your dental crown has decided to take an unscheduled vacation, Dr. Rebecca Benedict and our compassionate team are here to quickly help you. We’ll see you as soon as possible, assess the situation, and get your smile back to full strength.
Don’t endure the discomfort and worry of a lost crown. Call our South Tampa office today at 813-733-6981, or request a consultation online. Let us provide the care you need to smile with confidence again.