What to do When Your Dental Crown Falls Out

If your dental crown has fallen out, do your best to remain calm and collected.  Your dentist will help you solve this problem, get your tooth back to functional condition and return your life to normal.  You might experience a bit of pain after your crown falls out.  This is perfectly normal.

Here is what you can do if your dental crown has fallen out.

What to do When Your Dental Crown has Fallen Out

Once you realize your dental crown has fallen out, take it out of your mouth as quickly as you can.  If the crown is in your food, the sink, the rug or elsewhere, pick it up right away to prevent additional damage.  The last thing you want to do is swallow the dental crown.  The dental crown would likely pass through your system without an issue yet it would not be possible to reattach it.  

Be sure to give your dentist a call right away.  Schedule an appointment for the earliest available time slot.  The dentist will do his or her best to reattach the crown.  Your dentist should be able to see you within a week or less.  If your pain is extreme, visit with an emergency dentist as soon as possible.

Clean the Area

Clean the area around the tooth in question.  Clean the interior of the crown as well.  The tooth and crown should be kept as dry as possible.  Go ahead and use sterile gauze as needed. However, you should not apply any type of household or super glue in an attempt to reconnect the crown. These glues are toxic and can lead to the need for a root canal.

Apply Temporary Dental Adhesive

Pick up some temporary dental adhesive from a local store. Slip your crown back in place and keep it connected with the temporary dental adhesive.  Just keep in mind this temporary cement is not as formidable as the permanent type used by your dentist.

So treat the tooth in question with care until you can be seen by the dentist.  Do not chew any sticky or hard foods on the side of your mouth in which the crown is temporarily connected.

Dull the Pain Until You can Meet With the Dentist

There will likely be some pain after your dental crown falls out.  Apply a small amount of clove oil to a cotton swab and lightly press it to the area of discomfort.  You can pick up clove oil at your local drug store or supermarket.

How the Dentist can Help After Your Dental Crown has Fallen Out

The dentist will take a close look at the tooth and crown to determine the best way to proceed. The dentist will perform the appropriate treatment and repair.  If necessary, the dentist will apply a new crown. However, this is the last resort that is only considered if the damage is extensive.

Call (617) 826-6075 to schedule an appointment with GK Dental PC in our Everett dental office.