Dental crowns are built to last, but they’re not foolproof. The fact is that sometimes crowns fall out, and that’s something you should be prepared for when you get replacement teeth. Thankfully, it is a simple procedure to put a crown back when it comes loose. Read on to learn what to do if a crown falls off your tooth.
First – Don’t Panic!
If you feel your crown come out, don’t panic. The most common reason for a crown to fall off is “failure post-bonding,” meaning that the crown and the tooth/implant didn’t have a great grip on each other. There’s a good chance that your crown is in great shape and that it can be popped right back into place.
Dental crowns have an average lifespan of 10 years, but many last for decades with proper care. If your crown is still in good condition and it still fits your smile, your dentist can restore it for you.
Hold onto Your Crown until You Can Rinse and Store It Safely
Crowns rarely fall out at a convenient time, like when you’re at home on the couch. Chances are you’re at work, in the car, or running arrands when this happens. Again, don’t panic. Just hold onto the crown until you can get home to clean it off. If you need a temporary storage solution, wrap it in a napkin and put it in your purse or pocket.
Contact Your Dentist Office to Schedule Crown Reattachment
If you can get the crown put back in on the same day, that’s ideal. That isn’t always an option though. Contact your dentist office as quickly as possible to find out when you can get in for crown reattachment.
Clean Your Mouth and Your Crown as Soon as You Get Home
You’ll probably experience a bad taste in your mouth when the crown comes off. You may also have bad breath because of the odor trapped where the crown used to be. You can rinse your mouth out with water right away or you can potentially use mouthwash when you get home. If your exposed tooth is sensitive, you might not feel comfortable using the mouthwash.
Carefully hold your crown in your hand as you rinse it off. You could also swirl it in a cup of mouthwash for a few seconds to cleans the crown. Then put it in your storage container.
Protect Your Natural Tooth (Not Necessary for Dental Implants)
If you have a dental implant, you likely won’t feel any discomfort from the crown falling out. If you have a tooth under the crown though, it may be sensitive to temperatures and pressures. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you get the crown back in. You can use over-the-counter dental cement for temporary protection, as needed, but hopefully you can see the dentist quickly for restoration.
Store Your Crown until You Can Get It Reattached
You want to store the crown in something you’re not going to throw away by accident. Many of our patients use an empty pill bottle or a similarly small container with a tight lid. Whatever you use, make sure it is clean and provides secure protection for your crown. Put it somewhere you won’t forget it, and then bring it with you to the dentist appointment.
Visit Your Dentist Office to Get the Crown Put back on
As soon as you can, go see your dentist. They will clean the area, examine your crown, and reattach it if it’s still in good condition. If the crown is not usable, they can go over your options to determine the next steps to take. Crown reattachment is a quick appointment, and you can use your tooth like normal the next morning.
What Happens If I Need a New Crown?
If your crown is not reusable, the dentist will need to order you a new one. Depending on how old the crown is, the replacement might be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Your insurance may also offer coverage for replacement crowns. We’ll evaluate your options during your appointment and present all the information to you.
To schedule an appointment or consultation for a dental crown in Metro Detroit, contact Clinton Dental Center at (586) 949-5363.
