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Dental Crown

I Lost My Crown. Now What?

Losing a dental crown when the dental office is closed is nerve-wracking. Your tooth is vulnerable to damage and other issues if you don’t have your crown.

When you realize, “My crown fell off,” what do you do? Here are some tips to follow if your dental crown falls off.

Causes of Crown Loss

Crowns are typically placed over vulnerable teeth to prevent further decay or damage. They are constructed from durable materials, such as porcelain or metal that can withstand the mouth’s biting forces and acidic environment. They are typically used after root canal therapy or dental implants to restore missing teeth.

There are several causes of loose crowns. First, when germs penetrate the tooth’s dentin, they eat away at it, eventually causing the crown to shift and come free. Sometimes it’s because eating something very sticky or hard jarred it loose. In addition, crowns eventually become useless because of normal wear and tear.

If your crown seems loose but is still in place, you should make an appointment with your dentist soon.

When Your Crown Comes Loose: What to Do

Although crowns are made to last for many years, accidents do occur. You can take a few actions to ensure that your crown is replaced as quickly as possible, even though it may be frightful to have your crown fall off.

  1. Stay Calm! Take the Crown Out of Your Mouth, Examine It

If your crown comes loose, remove it immediately. You could end up swallowing or breathing it in if you do that. In addition, the sharp edges of a damaged crown can cut into the gums and mouth, causing pain and even severe harm to the now-exposed tooth root.

Take your time finding the crown or if you swallowed it by accident. The body absorbs the vast majority of crowns without any problems.

You can fix the crown using over-the-counter dental cement if the crown isn’t damaged.

This protects the exposed tooth structure beneath the crown from additional harm.

If your dental crown has fallen off while using dental cement, it is advisable to have it replaced immediately by a dentist.

2.    See a Dentist ASAP

If your crown has been damaged in any way, you should contact your dentist right away to set up an appointment to have it replaced. Too much delay allows bacteria to reach the tooth’s pulp, where an infection can develop. You may need a root canal if this occurs.

Your dentist may be able to reattach the crown if you can keep it in one piece.

Your dentist will need to make a new crown for you if you have lost your old one and cannot find it. While your permanent dental crown is fabricated, you’ll wear a temporary one.

3.    Put the Undamaged Crown in a secure place.

Put your crown somewhere safe if you need more confidence putting it back in your mouth until your dentist visit.

Wrap the crown in a paper towel or plastic wrap and put it in a bag. You should bring it to your next appointment to determine if your dentist can reconnect.

If a crown comes loose and exposes the tooth below, it could cause great discomfort. Clove oil applied to the tooth can help alleviate some of the pain if this is the case. Over-the-counter pain relievers are another option.

4.    Take the Crown with You to Your Appointment

Make sure to bring the crown with you to your dental appointment. Your dentist will examine it to see if it can be reattached or if a replacement is required. Your dentist might be able to clean the crown and repair it using dental cement if it’s in good condition. However, a replacement crown must be made if lost or destroyed.

5.    Consider Replacement Option

If your crown can’t be reconnect, your dentist will go over replacement options with you. In order to create a new crown, this may entail taking impressions of your teeth and shipping them to a dental lab. Your dentist could put a temporary crown or filling on your tooth to safeguard it in the meantime.

Is it an emergency if you lose a crown?

A misplaced crown is alarming, but it usually isn’t a dental emergency. However, there are times when it’s necessary to visit an emergency dentist.

  • You seem to be in a lot of pain or have had obvious trauma.
  • A choking threat exists due to the crown’s incomplete detachment.
  • The crown is not easily removable or replaceable.

Even while it’s not likely to be fatal, you shouldn’t leave your tooth unguarded. Instead, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to have the tooth checked out and the crown replaced.

 

Is it possible to go without a crown for an extended period?

It is strongly discouraged to leave teeth without a crown for an extended period, even though it may be feasible for a brief period. A crown is necessary to protect and strengthen a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy. Your tooth may be sensitive to hot and cold and more likely to break without at least a temporary crown protecting it.

 

If you want to protect your tooth, acquire a temporary crown as soon as possible. Until you can go to the dentist, you can use Vaseline, toothpaste, or sugar-free gum to temporarily re-cement the missing crown.

 

Avoid Losing Your Dental Crown: Precautions to Take

If the crown does not fit properly in your mouth or if the cement is not strong enough, there is little you can do about it. However, you can still take preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of the crown becoming loose and falling out. The following are some suggestions for moving forward:

  • Never, ever chew ice
  • Sticky or chewy foods should be avoided or eaten with caution.
  • Use dental floss regularly.
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
  • To remove plaque from the area where your gums and teeth meet, crown and root, use an interdental brush (a broader toothbrush that penetrates between the teeth, like dental floss).
  • A mouth guard can protect the crown and other teeth from damage if you clench your teeth at night.

Conclusion

 

If you have lost your dental crown, panic is unnecessary. Just follow these simple steps to minimize the damage and get back to your regular routine quickly. If you need help protecting your tooth or exploring replacement options, please reach out to our qualified dentist. They are available to assist you. At Virginia Dental Care, we are committed to providing you with the best possible care and attention to ensure you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for years.