What to Do When a Dental Crown Falls Off: Step-by-Step Guide

What to Do When a Dental Crown Falls Off: A Step-by-Step Guide

It's every dental patient's nightmare—you're going about your day when you suddenly feel something is wrong in your mouth. You might notice a strange taste or a sensation that something's missing. After a quick check in the mirror, you realize that your dental crown has fallen off. But what should you do now?

When a dental crown falls off, it can feel like a major dental emergency, but it's important to stay calm. I’ve been in this situation myself and, trust me, there are ways to handle it that can save you both time and stress. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on what to do if your dental crown falls off, including some temporary solutions to prevent further issues until you can see a dentist.

1. Assess the Situation Calmly

The first thing you need to do when a dental crown falls off is not panic. It might feel like a serious situation, but it’s a relatively common issue that dentists deal with frequently. Check your mouth carefully. If the crown has fallen off completely, look for any signs of pain or damage to the underlying tooth. If the tooth is exposed and sensitive, take extra precautions to avoid any further discomfort.

I remember the first time I had a crown come loose. I was eating a bagel, and suddenly, I felt something odd in my mouth. After checking, I realized my crown had completely fallen off. My first thought was, "What now?" But I took a few deep breaths and followed these steps, which helped me manage the situation effectively.

2. Find the Crown and Examine It

Once you've calmed down, find the crown if it's not already stuck to your tooth or lodged somewhere in your mouth. You might find it in your saliva or on the ground, depending on the situation. When you locate the crown, inspect it for any visible damage or cracks. If the crown is in one piece, it may be possible to reattach it temporarily until you see your dentist.

If the crown appears undamaged, that's a good sign! It means there’s a chance the crown can be put back into place. However, if the crown is chipped or broken, don’t try to reattach it yourself. You'll need to see a dentist as soon as possible.

3. Clean the Tooth and Crown

Before attempting any reattachment, it’s crucial to clean both the tooth and the crown. Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any debris, and clean the inside of the crown with a toothbrush. If you have a soft toothbrush, it’s ideal to use it for this task. This step is important because you don’t want any bacteria getting trapped under the crown when you try to put it back in place.

One of the most important things I learned during my experience was that keeping everything clean is vital to avoiding infections. I made sure to thoroughly clean both the crown and my tooth before proceeding to the next step.

4. Use Temporary Dental Cement or Dental Adhesive

If you feel comfortable and the crown is intact, you can try temporarily reattaching the crown using over-the-counter dental cement or dental adhesive. Many drugstores carry these products specifically for situations like this. These temporary solutions won’t last long but can help keep the crown in place until you can see your dentist for a permanent solution.

Apply a small amount of dental cement inside the crown and place it back over your tooth. Gently bite down to ensure it fits snugly. However, keep in mind that this is only a temporary fix. The adhesive may loosen over time, so avoid eating hard or sticky foods that could cause the crown to fall off again.

5. Avoid Hard Foods and Sticky Substances

While you wait for your dental appointment, be mindful of what you eat. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or soup to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the crown. Avoid chewing on the side where the crown fell off, as this can cause further damage to your tooth and the crown.

I made the mistake of eating a crunchy snack right after my crown fell off, and let’s just say it wasn’t pretty! The crown came loose again, and I had to redo the temporary fix. So, take it easy and avoid tough, chewy, or sticky foods.

6. Contact Your Dentist as Soon as Possible

Once the crown is temporarily in place, the most important thing is to make an appointment with your dentist. Call them as soon as you can and explain the situation. If you’ve used dental cement or adhesive, make sure to let the receptionist know so they can guide you accordingly. Your dentist will need to assess whether the crown is still in good condition or if it needs to be replaced. In some cases, the underlying tooth may need additional treatment or restoration before a new crown can be fitted.

After my crown fell off, I was able to get in touch with my dentist immediately. They advised me on how to manage it temporarily and set an appointment to fix the issue properly. The faster you get professional care, the better the long-term outcome will be.

7. Don’t Delay – A Dental Emergency Could Be Coming

One of the most critical pieces of advice I can give is not to delay seeing a dentist. A lost crown isn’t just inconvenient—it can lead to further complications. Without a crown, the underlying tooth may become exposed to bacteria, which can lead to decay or infection. If the tooth underneath is damaged or decayed, it may require more extensive treatment to restore it.

When I experienced a crown loss, I was grateful to see my dentist right away, as they were able to address the issue without any major complications. Delaying treatment can make the situation worse and may lead to more expensive dental procedures down the line.

Conclusion

If your dental crown falls off, it’s important to stay calm, follow these simple steps, and contact your dentist as soon as possible. Remember, using a temporary solution like dental cement can help keep the crown in place until you can get professional care. The key is to avoid further damage, keep everything clean, and be gentle with what you eat. Your dentist will guide you on the best way to fix the crown permanently and ensure the health of your tooth.

For personalized dental care and expert advice, visit Dentistry Toothtruth, where we can help you find the right dental clinic or service to address all your needs.