Don't panic! While a lost crown is a common issue and technically a dental emergency, knowing exactly what to do can protect your tooth and keep you comfortable until you reach Mint Dental Care, your emergency dentist in Sunnyvale, CA.
Here is your step-by-step guide to handling a lost crown at home:
Step 1: Secure and Clean the Crown
Your first priority is to prevent further damage to the crown itself and avoid swallowing it.
- Retrieve the Crown: Carefully remove the crown from your mouth.
- Inspect and Clean: Gently rinse the crown with warm water to remove any debris or old dental cement. Inspect it for cracks or severe damage.
- Store It Safely: Place the crown in a clean, small container or plastic bag. Bring it with you to our office—if it’s intact and your tooth is stable, we may be able to re-cement the original.
Step 2: Protect the Exposed Tooth
The tooth underneath the crown is often sensitive because it was shaped and exposed. It is now vulnerable to decay, breakage, and extreme temperature changes.
- Call Mint Dental Care: Contact our office immediately. We will prioritize you for a same-day or next-day appointment to secure your tooth.
- Manage Pain & Sensitivity: If the tooth is sensitive, take over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen). Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to soothe the gums.
- Temporary Reattachment (If Necessary): If you can't get to our office right away, you can attempt to temporarily cover or reattach the crown using:
- Over-the-Counter Dental Cement: Available at most Sunnyvale pharmacies, this is the safest temporary adhesive. Place a small amount inside the crown and gently fit it back over the exposed tooth.
- DO NOT Use Household Glues: Never use superglue, craft glue, or other household adhesives. They are toxic and will permanently damage the tooth and the crown.
- Cover Rough Edges: If the tooth is too sensitive to cover, or if the remaining tooth structure has sharp edges, cover the area with a piece of dental wax (the type used for braces) to protect your tongue and cheek.
Step 3: Adjust Your Diet and Habits
Until your crown is permanently reattached by your Sunnyvale dentist, you must treat the area with extreme care:
- Chew on the Opposite Side: Avoid eating or biting down on the tooth with the missing crown.
- Stick to Soft Foods: Choose soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, and yogurt. Avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods (like nuts, gum, or caramel) which could pull the crown off again or damage the exposed tooth.
- Brush Gently: Continue to brush the area very carefully to keep it clean, preventing the buildup of bacteria and plaque.
Why Is Quick Treatment Essential?
Even if the exposed tooth doesn't hurt, you should not delay professional treatment.
- Tooth Shifting: Without the crown, adjacent teeth can begin to shift into the empty space very quickly, making it difficult for the crown to fit when we try to replace it.
- Decay Risk: The sensitive inner structure of the tooth is exposed to bacteria, significantly increasing the risk of decay or a serious infection.
If your dental crown has fallen off, call Mint Dental Care in Sunnyvale, CA, to schedule an emergency dental appointment!
