When you first get a dental restoration like a crown, you’re probably not thinking about what you would do if it fell out of your mouth. And to be fair, crowns are built to last. They don’t typically become “de-throned” unless there’s some sort of special circumstance or accident. It’s perfectly understandable if you’re feeling shocked and unsure of what to do next!
If you’ve lost your dental crown, don’t worry. Take a moment to collect yourself, then simply follow these easy steps.
Perform Any Necessary First Aid
Since crowns rarely fall out for no reason, you should check your mouth for injuries or abnormalities, even if you didn’t experience any physical trauma. Rinse with warm, salty water to make it easier to inspect your oral cavity, then staunch any bleeding with a damp cloth, and take pain relievers as needed. If bleeding persists after 10 minutes, go to the nearest ER – you likely need stitches for a deep cut.
Search for Your Lost Crown
Once you’ve taken care of yourself, you can begin searching for your lost crown. There is a chance you accidentally swallowed it, but fortunately, if this is the case your crown should pass harmlessly. Unless your crown is severely damaged (or unsanitary), your dentist should be able to recement it to your tooth.
If Found, Clean off Your Crown and Reseat It
If you do manage to find your lost crown, be sure to free it from debris and bacteria. You can rinse it off with water and give a gentle scrub with your toothbrush. Next, see whether you notice any visible cracks or chips. If your crown appears to be intact, you can safely place it back over your natural tooth. A small dollop of toothpaste will provide temporary adhesion until your dentist can give it a more secure hold.
Call Your Emergency Dentist
Regardless of whether you’re able to find or reseat your crown, you should call your emergency dentist promptly! Since it protects a weakened tooth, a lost crown is considered urgent. Your dentist will want to schedule you for the earliest available appointment so they can make sure your tooth is properly shielded. Depending on the state of your crown, they might simply recement it or arrange for a replacement.
Losing dental work isn’t exactly a fun experience, but it’s often not as drastic as it might seem in the moment. Though your dentist will want to provide protection for your natural tooth as soon as possible, you won’t be in any immediate danger. Do what you need to do to take care of any injuries, and let your dentist worry about the rest!
About the Author
Dr. Huy Nguyen provides prompt emergency dental care when you need it most. He understands losing a dental crown can be quite alarming and will book you for a same-day appointment if at all possible. In the meantime, he’ll make sure your first aid needs are taken care of by providing any necessary over-the-phone guidance. Rest assured, you’re in good hands with Dr. Nguyen and his top-notch team! To contact his office and request an emergency dental appointment, call 207-846-3966.