My Crown Fell Off: What to Do Right Now and When to Call the Dentist
If your crown fell off, try not to panic. In most cases this is not a dental emergency, but it does need attention within a day or two. Save the crown, keep the tooth clean, and avoid chewing on that side until you can be seen.
What to do first
First, find the crown and rinse it gently under water. Do not scrub it or try to clean off any cement inside it. If the crown is cracked or broken into pieces, bring the pieces with you to your appointment anyway.
Next, look at the tooth. It may look smaller or a different shape than the teeth around it, and it may feel sensitive to air, cold, or touch. That sensitivity is normal, because the crown was protecting the prepared tooth underneath. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water (about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) to keep the area clean.
Do not try to put the crown back on the tooth yourself, and do not glue it back on with household adhesive or superglue. A crown seated the wrong way can damage the tooth, and a loose crown can come off again while you are eating or sleeping. Those products are also not safe inside the mouth.
Instead, store the crown in a small bag or container and bring it with you. A dentist can often re-cement an intact crown, which is a much simpler visit than making a new one.
What is normal, and what is not
Some sensitivity to cold air or cold drinks after a crown comes off is normal. Mild soreness in the gum around the tooth is also common, especially if the crown came off while eating.
What is not normal is swelling, a bad taste in your mouth, pus, or pain that keeps getting worse. Those can be signs of an infection or decay under the crown, and they should be checked sooner rather than later. If the tooth itself broke, or a sharp edge is cutting your tongue or cheek, that also needs prompt attention.
What to eat and avoid until your appointment
Stick to soft foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Avoid very hot, very cold, sticky, and hard foods on that side, since the exposed tooth is more sensitive and more vulnerable without its crown.
Keep brushing the tooth gently, but skip floss around it for now. Floss can catch on the edge of the prepared tooth or pull a loosely seated crown back off.
If you need pain relief, over-the-counter pain medication taken as directed on the label is usually enough for the discomfort of a lost crown. If the pain is severe, or if you have swelling, fever, or trouble opening your mouth, call sooner.
Can a crown be put back on, or will I need a new one?
It depends on why it came off. If the crown is intact and the tooth underneath is in good shape, it can usually be cleaned and re-cemented in a single visit. If the crown is cracked, or the tooth has new decay or a fracture underneath, a new crown may be needed instead.
This is also why it is worth not putting the visit off for weeks. A tooth left without its crown is more likely to shift, break, or develop decay, and any of those can turn a simple re-cement into a bigger repair.
When to call the dentist
Call the same day if you have swelling, increasing pain, a bad taste or pus, bleeding that does not stop, or a broken tooth. Call within a day or two if the crown came off cleanly, the tooth feels only mildly sensitive, and you are able to keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side.
If your crown fell off on a weekend and you have no swelling or severe pain, the steps above will usually carry you safely to the next business day. If you are unsure, it is always better to call and describe what happened than to wait and wonder. If you are in the Murphy area and your crown has come off, Murphy Dental & Implant Center can take a look and let you know whether it can be re-cemented or needs replacing. You can reach the office at (972) 836-0108.
This post is general information only and is not medical advice. If you are in pain or worried about your tooth, contact your dentist directly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I eat normally if my crown fell off?
Not quite. Eat soft foods and chew on the other side until the crown is back on. The tooth underneath is more sensitive and more fragile without its crown, so hard, sticky, very hot, or very cold foods on that side can cause pain or damage.
Is it an emergency if my crown falls off?
Usually not, as long as there is no swelling, severe pain, or broken tooth. Most lost crowns can wait a day or two for an appointment. Swelling, worsening pain, pus, or a broken tooth should be checked the same day.
What if I swallowed my crown?
This happens occasionally and is usually not dangerous, as the crown typically passes on its own. Let your dentist know what happened, since you will still need the tooth examined and a new crown made. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, seek urgent care right away.
