Dental Crown Crisis: What to Do if Yours Falls Out

Have you ever had a severely damaged tooth or needed a root canal? If so, in all likelihood your dentist fitted you with a dental crown to rebuild your smile and protect the vulnerable pearly white. Though they’re incredibly strong, they’re not entirely impervious to harm and under the right circumstances may become dislodged and fall out. It’s normal to panic in the middle of such a scenario, but fortunately, your dentist can help. Continue reading to learn about 5 steps to take if your dental crown falls out!

Step #1: Stay Calm

Whether you’ve bitten into something particularly hard or sticky and your crown was yanked out of place, or you sustained a blow to the face that knocked it loose, you’re probably feeling anxious, upset, and maybe even in pain. Losing your cool won’t help you replace your dental crown, though. Try to take a few deep breaths to lower your heart rate and calm your system so that you have a clear head and can proactively help yourself.

Step #2: Call Your Dentist

Even if you’re not sure your lost dental crown constitutes an emergency, it’s best to call your dentist right away. They will ask about what happened and can provide instructions over the phone for emergency care until you’re able to see them. They’ll also make an appointment for you to be seen as soon as possible because they don’t want you to risk wounding the underlying tooth in the meantime.

Step #3: Find the Dental Crown

There’s a possibility that your dentist can replace the crown if it and your pearly white are both still in good condition. If you’re able to find it once it’s fallen out, gently rinse it clear of debris and store it somewhere safe until your dental appointment. In many cases, it remains in the mouth with food you’ve been chewing or hidden somewhere so be extra careful that you don’t inadvertently swallow it whole!

Step #4: Replace the Dental Crown

If you haven’t fractured or chipped your tooth in any way, you might be able to put the dental crown back where it came from until you get to the dentist’s office. Be very gentle to avoid causing any additional harm. Feel free to use crown cement if you have any or place a dab of toothpaste on the crown to stick it back in place temporarily.

Step #5: Address Discomfort

If you’ve sustained an injury, be sure to take care of any pain so that you’re not waiting in misery. Generally, over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and ibuprofen can safely and effectively reduce any aching or swelling. You can also hold a cold compress or ice pack to that side of your face. The cold temperature can numb you briefly for some well-deserved relief.

Then, once you’ve seen your dentist, they’ll be able to walk you through possible solutions so that you can once again have a perfectly restored smile.

About the Author

Dr. Patrick Crowley takes pride in providing a wide range of dental services to patients of all ages, including restorative and emergency dentistry. He earned his B.S. in Biology from the University of Central Oklahoma and graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. He has since continued his training and education so that he can offer the most up-to-date treatment solutions using cutting-edge technology. If something has happened and you need help, call his office first! His caring staff is happy to walk you through what to do next. You’re welcome to contact the office on the website or by calling (405) 751-5515.