Losing a dental crown isn’t as serious as losing a tooth, but it’s still an issue that needs to be dealt with quickly. If the tooth that the restoration was attached to is left exposed, it could lead to further damage or even an infection. As such, it’s important to make sure that you know what to do if a crown falls out; below is a brief overview of the 5 steps you should follow if this situation ever arises.
1. Find the Crown Right Away
A dislodged crown can often be reattached. As such, as soon as you realize that your restoration has fallen off your tooth, you should try to locate it immediately. Once you do, you should rinse it off gently to get rid of any debris that might be clinging to it. After that, be sure to put it in a safe container.
2. Reach Out to Your Dentist’s Office
You should call your dentist’s office right away to let them know that your dental crown has fallen out. A team member will make the necessary arrangements for the dentist to see you as quickly as possible. They might also give you a few tips for protecting your tooth at home.
3. Put the Crown Back On Your Tooth If You Can
If your dental crown isn’t too badly damaged, you may be able to temporarily reattach it; this can help keep your tooth safe while you’re waiting for your appointment. You can reseat a crown using over-the-counter dental cement or a small amount of toothpaste. Make sure that the inside of the restoration is completely clean before you attempt to reattach it.
4. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
If you are unable to reseat your crown, you will need to be extra diligent about keeping the area around the exposed tooth as clean as possible in order to minimize the chances of an infection occurring. Be sure to brush at least two times a day, and don’t forget to be very gentle while cleaning the affected tooth. You can also rinse with salt water to reduce the presence of harmful bacteria in your mouth.
5. Visit Your Dentist and Get the Care You Need
When the time comes for your appointment, make sure that you bring your dental crown with you. Your dentist will take a look at your restoration to determine whether it’s still viable; if it is, they will reattach it to the tooth. In the event that your crown is too badly damaged to use anymore, your dentist will recommend having it replaced.
A lost dental crown is not an issue you can afford to ignore. By following the steps listed above, you should be able to get the situation under control and keep your smile safe.
About the Author
Dr. Sheila Mahooti has served as a faculty member at the UCLA School of Dentistry in the Clinical Restorative Department, and she holds membership with the San Fernando Valley Dental Society, the California Dental Society, and the American Dental Association. She provides fully personalized dental crowns to help patients protect and strengthen their damaged teeth. If you think you need a dental crown to restore your smile, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Mahooti at Signature Smiles of LA in Encino by visiting her website, using her online booking tool, or calling (818) 600-1884.