Dental crowns are a versatile treatment that can serve multiple purposes. For instance, your dentist might place one to protect an injured or decayed tooth, restore functionality after a root canal, or to anchor a dental bridge or cap a dental implant to close the spaces in your smile.
These tooth-shaped caps can last 10 to 15 or more years with the right care, but that doesn’t make them invincible in the meantime. Continue reading to learn about 4 steps to take if you’ve broken or lost your dental crown!
Step #1: Find the Missing Crown
Whether the underlying tooth eroded and caused your restoration to become destabilized or you bit into something too hard and dislodged it, it’s important to find the lost dental crown. There’s a chance that your dentist can repurpose it if it’s in fair condition and isn’t overly injured or worn down.
That means the first thing to do after you realize you’ve lost your prosthetic is to find the pieces. Please keep in mind that some may have fractured off and remained in your mouth, so be careful not to swallow them.
Step #2: Cleanse Your Mouth
If you have sustained an injury or are bleeding, you should rinse your mouth gently with lukewarm salt water. This gently clears away dirt and debris while eradicating germs that might otherwise cause an infection. You should also rinse your dental crown and its pieces gently under running water to remove any unwanted particles.
Step #3: Store or Reseat Your Restoration
Next, you need to place your prosthetic in a safe place until it’s time to see your dentist. If possible, you can try putting a small amount of toothpaste or dental wax on your crown then gently reseating it in its rightful place. If the underlying tooth has jagged edges, it’s best to store it in an airtight baggy or container to take with you to your appointment when it’s time to leave.
Step #4: Contact Your Dentist
If you haven’t already, you should call your provider to let them know what occurred. Many offer same-day emergency appointments, so they can fit you into the schedule sooner rather than later, so you won’t have to wait for relief. When you arrive, they’ll provide pain relief and examine your mouth to determine the next best steps, like recementing or replacing your dental crown.
Now that you know what to do if your dental crown falls out, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for any emergency!
Meet the Author
Dr. Admasu Gizachew, fondly known as “Dr. G”, is passionate about helping people of all ages improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his dental degree from New York University. He has since completed nearly 300 hours of continuing education to offer the most up-to-date treatment options using the latest advancements in technology. Today, he offers a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your family’s needs at one convenient location, including placing lifelike restorations, such as dental crowns. You can request an appointment on the website or call (609) 879-0036.