If a dental crown falls out, it can be surprising, uncomfortable, and sometimes even a little alarming. While losing a crown is usually not as urgent as knocking out a tooth, it still requires prompt attention from a dentist. Without the crown in place, the underlying tooth is left exposed and vulnerable to sensitivity, damage, and infection.
Knowing what to do in the moments after a crown falls out can help protect your tooth and prevent complications until you are able to schedule treatment.
Here are some important steps to follow if you lose a dental crown.
Find the Crown and Keep It Safe
If possible, carefully locate the crown and pick it up. Even if it appears damaged, do not throw it away. In many cases, a dentist may be able to clean and re-cement the crown back into place if the tooth and restoration are still in good condition.
Store the crown in a small, clean container and keep it somewhere safe until your appointment. Avoid trying to snap it back onto your tooth, as forcing it into place can cause cracks or further damage.
Avoid Chewing on That Side of Your Mouth
Once a crown has come off, the tooth underneath may feel sharp, fragile, or sensitive to temperature and pressure. To prevent additional stress or accidental breakage, try to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until your dentist can evaluate the area.
Stick to softer foods and chew slowly to reduce discomfort. Hard, sticky, or crunchy foods can cause further damage and should be avoided altogether.
Clean the Area Gently
You should continue to brush and floss as normal, but use extra care around the exposed tooth. Food particles and bacteria can easily collect along the edges where the crown once sat, which may increase the risk of irritation or infection.
Gently brushing the area and rinsing with water can help keep the site clean and more comfortable. If the tooth feels especially sensitive, lukewarm water may be more comfortable than cold rinses.
Do Not Use Glue or Household Adhesives
It may be tempting to try to reattach the crown yourself, but household glues, super glue, and adhesives are unsafe to use in the mouth. These products can damage the tooth, irritate your gum tissue, and interfere with your dentist’s ability to properly restore the crown.
Only a trained dental professional should attempt to secure or replace the crown.
Call Your Dentist as Soon as Possible
Even if you are not in pain, you should contact your dentist promptly to schedule a visit. An exposed tooth is more vulnerable to decay, fractures, and sensitivity the longer it remains unprotected.
You should seek urgent care sooner if you experience:
• significant pain or swelling
• bleeding around the tooth
• signs of infection
• a cracked or broken tooth structure
Your dentist will determine whether the crown can be reattached or if a new restoration is needed.
With proper care and quick action, losing a crown can usually be resolved smoothly and comfortably.
About the Practice
Dr. Ben-Jacob and Dr. Rodriguez of Family Dental Care of Boynton Beach are passionate about restoring smiles. Our patients receive compassionate emergency, restorative, and preventive dental services in a comfortable and supportive environment. We evaluate damaged or dislodged restorations with careful attention to comfort, function, and long-term oral health. Through personalized treatment planning and patient-focused care, the team helps restore strong, healthy smiles and peace of mind.
Call us at (561) 737-1223 or request an appointment online.