What To Do If Your Tooth Crown Fell Off
Don’t panic! We explain exactly what you need to do to minimize damage and get it fixed fast.
About 25.9% of adults between the ages of 20 and 44 have untreated dental caries. If your tooth decay is bad enough, your dentist might suggest a crown. After a time, however, your dental crown might fall off.
Not sure what to do after a tooth crown fell off? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know! After reading this guide, you’ll feel more prepared in the case of an emergency.
You can also determine where to find emergency dental services in your area to prepare ahead of time.
Don’t panic! Instead, read on to learn what to do after a tooth crown falls off today.
1. Remain Calm
On average, dental crowns can last between five to 15 years. Their lifespan can vary based on:
Habits like teeth grinding, biting fingernails, etc.
How well you follow good oral hygiene practices
How much wear and tear the crown is exposed to
If you recently started Googling “my tooth crown fell off, what do I do?” start by taking a breath. Sometimes, crowns fall off. In some cases, the underlying tooth can develop decay.
The cementing material used to hold the crown in place could loosen as a result.
If your crown starts to feel loose, bacteria might leak into the gap and decay could occur. Look for emergency dental services before the crown falls off if it feels loose.
Your crown might become loose if it wasn’t properly fitted. There’s a chance there wasn’t enough cement to hold it in place, either. Sometimes sticky foods can pull a crown out of place or dislodge it as well.
In some cases, however, you might not realize the crown has become loose until after it falls out.
It can feel urgent and alarming if you lose the crown. However, it helps to remember that there are solutions available. Remaining calm will ensure you follow these next steps.
You might feel a little pain. That’s normal as well. Don’t worry; the damage isn’t permanent.
2. Inspect the Crown
Knowing what to do after a tooth crown falls off ahead of time can help you feel more in control of the situation. The next steps you follow can vary based on the state of the crown.
First, try to locate the crown. If you find it, take a close look and assess the damage.
Look for any signs of the tooth within the crown. If you don’t see a piece of tooth lodged inside, it’s a good sign. There’s a chance your dentist can simply reattach the crown.
If you see a small piece of metal inside the crown, don’t worry. That’s normal. The bit of metal you see is the crown’s post.
The crown’s post is responsible for keeping it anchored to your tooth.
If your crown feels loose, make sure to avoid swallowing it. Instead, find it and hold onto it.
Once the crown falls out, make sure to:
Avoid hard, sticky foods
Avoid foods that require a lot of chewing
Remain gentle when brushing your teeth
Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth
Remain cautious to avoid experiencing further pain.
3. Call Your Dentist
Immediately after realizing your tooth crown fell off, call your dentist. Explain what happened.
Consider finding a local dentist who offers emergency dental services. Their extended hours will ensure you can request help right away.
Otherwise, make an appointment to reattach or replace your crown. Try to get an appointment as soon as possible.
While scheduling your appointment, ask your dentist’s office if there are any next steps they want you to take.
4. Clean the Crown
If you still have your crown, clean it before your appointment. Gently wash the crown using soap and water. Then, place it in a plastic bag to ensure it remains clean.
Make sure to keep your crown in a safe place. Bring it with you during your dentist appointment.
5. Protect the Tooth
While waiting to see the dentist, it’s important to take steps to protect the tooth the crown was originally attached to.
Learning what to do after a tooth crown falls off can ensure you protect underlying tooth structures. When a crown falls off, it can expose sensitive tissues and nerves. The area might feel sensitive to temperature and touch.
Consider visiting a nearby pharmacy that sells temporary dental cement. Then, carefully mold the cement around the exposed tooth. Follow the product’s instructions with care.
You might want to consider using dental wax to protect the exposed tooth as well.
6. Adjust Your Diet
Remember, you don’t want to cause more damage to the area before your dentist appointment.
Even if you used dental cement and dental wax, certain foods can leave the tooth vulnerable again. You don’t want to harm the underlying structures.
After a tooth crown falls off, avoid certain foods, including anything that’s:
Tough
Chewy
Crunchy
Too hot or cold
Make sure to call your dentist right away. In the meantime, avoid these foods to minimize pain and additional damage.
7. Visit Your Dentist
Don’t forget to visit your dentist right away. Bring your crown with you. Your dentist will determine whether or not they can reattach the crown.
If the crown has sustained significant damage, your dentist might fit you for a new crown instead.
During your appointment, talk to your dentist about why the crown fell off in the first place. Determine what you can do to keep your crown from falling off in the future.
Remember, there’s a chance decay caused your dental crown to fall off. Make sure to brush and floss twice a day. Wear a mouthguard and helmet when playing contact sports.
Otherwise, talk to your dentist if you’ve started grinding your teeth. Make sure your crown fits properly as well.
Keep Smiling: 7 Steps to Follow After a Tooth Crown Fell Off
After a tooth crown fell off, it’s normal to feel a little panic. Remember to take a breath and remain calm. Then, follow these seven steps.
Knowing what to do after a tooth crown falls off can help you avoid additional damage.
Need to visit your Boise family dentist right away? We’re here for you.
Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.
