Discovering that a dental crown has fallen off can be alarming, especially if it happens while eating or brushing your teeth. Although it may feel like an emergency, most crown issues can be managed calmly with the right steps. Acting quickly and correctly can protect your tooth, reduce discomfort, and make it easier for your dentist to restore the crown.
Stay Calm and Locate the Crown
Your first step is simply to stay calm. A lost crown is usually not dangerous, but the exposed tooth underneath will likely be sensitive. If possible, try to find the crown right away. It may have come off in one piece, which can make re-cementing easier for your dentist. Gently rinse the crown with warm water to remove debris, but avoid scrubbing it or trying to modify it in any way.
Assess the Tooth and Protect It
Once the crown is off, the underlying tooth structure may feel rough, uneven, or tender. This is completely normal because crowns cover and protect teeth that are often heavily restored or weakened. The exposed tooth can become sensitive to air, pressure, temperature changes, and sweets. If you must wait before seeing your dentist, you can protect the tooth by applying a small amount of temporary dental cement from a pharmacy. This is designed to be safe for short-term use and can help shield the tooth from discomfort. Avoid using household glues, which are unsafe and can damage the tooth further.
Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side
Until the crown is professionally repaired or replaced, try to chew exclusively on the other side of your mouth. The tooth underneath is not meant to handle direct biting pressure without the protection of the crown. Chewing on the affected side could cause pain or even fracture the remaining tooth structure. Stick to softer foods and avoid anything sticky, crunchy, or hard until the dentist has addressed the issue.
Keep the Area Clean
Good oral hygiene becomes even more important when a crown falls off. Food particles and bacteria can easily accumulate around the exposed tooth. Brush the area gently to avoid irritation, and rinse after meals with warm salt water to reduce the risk of inflammation. Maintaining cleanliness helps prevent decay or infection from forming under the crown, which could complicate treatment and potentially require more extensive dental work.
Contact Your Dentist as Soon as Possible
Even if the tooth doesn’t hurt, you should contact your dentist promptly. A fallen crown is not something that should be ignored, as the longer the tooth remains exposed, the higher the risk of damage or decay. Your dentist will determine whether the crown can be reattached or if a new one is needed. If the crown itself is intact, clean, and fits properly, many dentists can re-cement it during a short appointment.
What to Expect at the Dental Appointment
During your visit, the dentist will inspect both the crown and the tooth to see what caused the failure. Sometimes, old cement simply wears out over time. In other cases, decay may have developed underneath the crown, requiring treatment before it can be replaced. If the crown is still in good condition, your dentist can often secure it back onto the tooth in a single visit. If it is damaged or no longer fits well, a new crown will need to be created, usually requiring two appointments.
Preventing Future Crown Problems
Although crowns are designed to be durable, they are not indestructible. To reduce the risk of future issues, maintain excellent oral hygiene, keep up with regular dental checkups, and avoid using your teeth to bite fingernails, open packages, or chew hard objects like ice. If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a nightguard can greatly extend the life of your crown.
Dental Crown Care in Davidsonville, MD
At Davidsonville Dental Group, we are dedicated to helping you preserve your natural tooth structure. A dental crown could help protect a damaged tooth and prevent the need for extraction. If our crown loosens or falls off, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment and take a proactive step towards improved oral health.
