What Does a Dentist Recommend if My Dental Crown Falls Out?

It is imperative to act quickly and responsibly after a dental crown falls out. Not all instances of a lost dental crown are an emergency, but prompt care is always strongly encouraged to reduce the risk of additional complications such as increased tooth sensitivity and pain, as well as oral infection.

What to do if a dental crown falls out: A step-by-step guide

The following is a five-step guide from a licensed dentist to help ensure you get the prompt care you need after your dental crown comes loose or falls out. These steps include recovering your lost dental crown, contacting the dentist as soon as possible, protecting the tooth and crown, and visiting the dentist at the next available time:

Recover the lost dental crown

Your dental crown may be able to be reattached after it falls out if it is still in good condition. If the crown can simply be reattached rather than replaced, then it could help save money and time. Therefore, it is encouraged that you locate the dental crown immediately after it falls out. If it is dirty or contaminated in any way, then be sure to rinse it off immediately and store it in a clean and safe place, such as an unused plastic bag.

Call your dentist as soon as possible

Immediately after locating the dental crown and rinsing it off, be sure to call the dentist to schedule a visit. Depending on the specifics of the situation, they may have you come in for treatment right away. If there is no discomfort, swelling, or other concerning symptoms, then the patient may be able to wait until the next day or a couple of days for a more convenient time to visit and have the crown reattached or replaced.

Protect the tooth and the dental crown

As mentioned, it is important to keep the dental crown as clean as possible before arriving at the dentist. Otherwise, the dental crown may not be able to be reattached and replacement is far more likely. It is important to also protect the tooth as well by avoiding the consumption of sugar and other carbohydrates (including citrus fruits) and keeping the mouth rinsed and clean at all times.

Visit the dentist to have the crown reattached or replaced

A common mistake patients make is assuming that a visit to have their crown reattached is not urgent if they are not in any discomfort. However, complications can develop suddenly if left untreated for an extended period of time. Therefore, regardless of the symptoms or severity, visiting the dentist for replacement or reattachment of the dental crown is imperative.