A dental crown is designed to protect and strengthen a damaged tooth, but occasionally a crown can become loose or fall off. While it may be alarming, staying calm and taking the right steps can help prevent further damage until you can see your dentist.
First, carefully retrieve the crown and store it in a safe place. Avoid chewing on the affected tooth, especially with hard, sticky, or crunchy foods. The exposed tooth may be sensitive to temperature changes, pressure, or sweets, so try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
If possible, gently clean the inside of the crown and the tooth with water. Do not use super glue or household adhesives to reattach it. In some cases, over-the-counter temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can be used to hold the crown in place until your appointment, but this should only be a short-term solution.
Contact your dentist as soon as possible. The longer a crown remains off, the greater the risk of tooth decay, tooth movement, or damage to the underlying tooth structure.
At Stiles Dentistry, we understand that dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly. If your crown comes off, give us a call right away. Prompt care can often allow us to recement the crown and restore your smile comfortably and efficiently.
