April 20, 2022
Dental crowns are caps that cover the entire visible part of a tooth. They are mostly used when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed and can’t be treated with a dental filling. Dental crowns can also complete the look of a tooth after a root canal or if it has significant cosmetic flaws. Though they often last around 15 years, these restorations aren’t impervious to damage or loss. If one of yours falls out, follow these three steps to handle a lost dental crown until your dentist can fix it for you.
Step #1: Contact Your Dentist
The first thing you should do if one of your dental crowns falls out is to contact your dentist. Explain what happened in detail. They’ll be able to help you make an appointment to come in and have your lost dental crown fixed. They will also walk you through what to do next as well as ways to keep yourself comfortable while you wait for your appointment.
Step #2: Locate the Crown
Look for the crown and place it in a plastic sandwich bag for safekeeping. Be sure to take it with you to your appointment. Your dentist may be able to reattach it. If you aren’t able to find it or the crown can’t be reused, they will have a new one made.
Step #3: Inspect Your Mouth
See if there are any pieces of the crown still stuck where it used to be. Additionally, try to determine if the underlying tooth is broken, if any sharp edges are poking out, or if you’re in serious pain. This information will allow your dentist to determine if your situation warrants emergency treatment.
Step #4: Mitigate Discomfort and Prevent Damage
Along with the tips your dentist gave you during