A well-made dental crown may last for 10 – 15 years or longer. Unfortunately, though, they do eventually reach the end of their life expectancy. Your crown might even fall out unexpectedly! What should you do if you ever lose a dental crown? You should take quick action to protect your exposed tooth and get your smile back to functioning optimally. Here is some practical guidance to help you handle the situation:
Schedule a Dental Appointment
As soon as you notice your crown is missing, you should call your dentist to request an emergency appointment. Many dentists are able to accommodate urgent cases on a same-day basis. The sooner you receive professional care, the less likely it is that your exposed tooth will incur further damage.
Attempt to Reattach Your Crown
You might be able to temporarily reattach your crown while you wait for your dental appointment. Follow these steps:
- Clean the crown. Gently rinse it to get rid of any debris that might be clinging to it.
- Inspect the crown and your tooth. If either your tooth or the crown has significant damage, reattachment may not be possible or advisable. Store the crown in a small container with a lid and bring it with you to your dental appointment.
- Figure out how to place the crown. Placing the crown incorrectly could cause damage to it or your teeth.
- Use toothpaste or temporary dental cement. Either a tiny bit of toothpaste or temporary dental cement (available at most pharmacies) can be used to secure the crown in place. Do not use superglue or any other adhesive material that is not designed to be used in the mouth.
- Reattach the crown. Slide the crown into place. If it does not easily fit on your tooth, do not force it.
- Be gentle. Your crown could easily fall off again, so try to avoid chewing with it or doing anything else that might dislodge it before your dental appointment.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
When you visit your dentist, they will inspect both your crown and the exposed tooth. They might be able to permanently reattach the crown. However, you might need an entirely new restoration. There is also the possibility that the underlying tooth will need further care.
A lost dental crown is a serious oral health issue. Follow the advice in this blog post so your smile can get back on track ASAP.
Meet the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Erin Page, the team at Capital Smiles in Schenectady is proud to provide general and emergency dental services. We are often able to welcome emergency patients on a same-day basis, so do not hesitate to call us if you lose a dental crown or have other concerns about your oral health. Contact our office at 518-374-0317.