May 21, 2025
Dental Crown Fell Out? What to Do
By Dr. Raheel Thobani, DMD
It’s a strange and startling feeling: one moment you're eating or talking, and the next, your dental crown is loose or has fallen out completely. A rush of questions and concerns is perfectly normal. Is it an emergency? Can it be fixed? What should I do right now?
While this situation needs prompt professional attention, the good news is that it is a very common and fixable dental issue. The key is to stay calm and follow a few simple steps to protect your tooth until you can see us. At Smyrna Dental Studio, we're here to guide you through it.
Your Immediate Action Plan: What to Do in the First Hour
Follow this step-by-step guide as soon as you realize your crown has come off.
Step 1: Call Our Smyrna Office Immediately
This is the most important first step. Even if you are not in pain, the underlying tooth is vulnerable. Call our office right away. Our team will schedule a prompt appointment and provide you with personalized advice over the phone.
Step 2: Remove the Crown from Your Mouth
Carefully remove the crown from your mouth to avoid accidentally swallowing or inhaling it.
Step 3: Clean and Store the Crown Safely
Gently rinse the crown with warm water to remove any debris. Inspect it to see if it's hollow and fully intact. Place the clean crown in a small, secure container (like a pill bottle or small plastic bag) and bring it with you to your appointment.
Step 4: Protect the Exposed Tooth
The tooth underneath the crown is now exposed and may be sensitive or rough.
Rinse Gently: Swish your mouth with a warm salt water solution to keep the area clean.
Use Dental Wax: If the tooth is sensitive or has a sharp edge, you can cover it with a piece of over-the-counter dental wax or a sugar-free gum. This will protect your tongue and cheek, reducing sensitivity.
Avoid Chewing on That Side: Do not chew on the affected tooth to prevent further damage.
A Word of Caution: What NOT to Do
It can be tempting to try a quick fix at home, but this can cause more harm than good.
NEVER Use Superglue: Do not use superglue or any other household adhesive to try and reattach your crown. These substances are toxic, can permanently damage your tooth and the crown, and can lead to the need for a more complex and expensive procedure.
This is a Temporary Situation: Even if you can temporarily place the crown back on, it is not a permanent solution. An underlying issue likely caused it to fall off, and only a dentist can properly diagnose and fix it.
What Will the Dentist Do?
At your appointment, we will first determine why the crown came off.
Assessment: We will examine the tooth and the crown to check for new decay, fractures, or cement failure.
Recementing: If the crown and tooth are both in good condition, we can often simply clean them and recement the crown securely in place.
Addressing Underlying Issues: If new decay is present under the crown or if the tooth is fractured, we will need to address that problem first. This may involve a new filling or, in some cases, a new, custom-made crown.
FAQs: Your Questions About a Lost Crown
Q1: Why did my crown fall off in the first place? The most common reasons a crown comes loose are: new decay forming in the tooth underneath it, eating very hard or sticky foods that break the cement's seal, or the dental cement simply reaching the end of its natural lifespan after many years of service.
Q2: Is a lost crown a dental emergency? It is considered a dental emergency. While it's not typically life-threatening, you should see a dentist within a day or two. Waiting too long leaves the exposed tooth vulnerable to decay, fracture, and sensitivity, which can turn a simple problem into a more complex one.
Q3: I think I swallowed my crown. What should I do? Don't panic. In most cases, it will pass through your digestive system without any issues. However, you should still call our office immediately. We need to examine the exposed tooth, protect it from damage, and begin the process of creating a new, permanent crown for you.
Q4: What if my tooth hurts after the crown fell off? Pain or sensitivity is common because the inner, more sensitive layers of the tooth (the dentin) are now exposed to air, temperatures, and pressure. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, but the best solution is to see us as soon as possible so we can cover and protect the tooth.
A Common Problem with a Simple Solution
A lost dental crown is a fixable problem. By following these simple steps, you can protect your tooth and ensure a quick and simple repair. The most important thing to remember is not to panic and not to wait.
Whether your crown can be easily re-cemented or needs to be replaced, our team at Smyrna Dental Studio has the right solution to restore the health and function of your smile.
If your dental crown has fallen out, don't leave your tooth exposed and vulnerable. Call our Smyrna office today to schedule a prompt appointment.
