Help! My Dental Crown Fell Out

If your dental crown falls out, don’t panic — but don’t ignore it either. A lost crown can leave your tooth vulnerable to damage, sensitivity, and infection, so you still need to take some action.

Read on as Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro and The Dental Center of Hercules team share exactly what you need to do to protect your tooth and get it fixed as soon as possible.

Step 1: Retrieve and inspect the crown

There are many reasons why your crown may fall out. You might damage it while eating, or you might lose your crown if you’re hit in the face — during a sports collision, for example.

If possible, find your crown and check its condition. Rinse your crown off and remove any dirt or food debris.

If it’s intact, Dr. Teodoro may be able to reattach it. However, if it's broken or damaged, you’ll likely need a replacement. I

Step 2: Protect your tooth

Without the crown, your tooth may feel sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, and if you’re experiencing discomfort, apply dental wax or a temporary dental cement (available at most pharmacies) to protect the exposed area.

It’s a good idea to protect your tooth against potential infections, and you can do that by keeping your mouth clean. Continue to brush your teeth as normal. You might also want to rinse your mouth with salt water to keep it clean.

Step 3: Call Dr. Teodoro

Even if your tooth doesn’t hurt, you should see Dr. Teodoro as soon as possible. Waiting too long can lead to increased discomfort, further damage, or even infection.

Tip: Store our phone number (510-254-3328) in your phone, so that when a dental emergency pops up, you’ll have our number at your fingertips. 

Step 4: Keep your crown safe

If Dr. Teodoro determines the crown can be reattached, bringing it to your appointment can help speed up the process. Store it in a clean container or plastic bag until your visit.

If you can’t get to our office immediately, over-the-counter dental adhesive can help temporarily secure the crown. However, this is only a short-term solution, and professional dental care is still necessary.

What to expect if you need a new crown

If your dental crown can’t be reattached, Dr. Teodoro offers a fast and durable solution with CEREC® same-day crowns. Using advanced chairside technology, we can design, mill, and place a custom ceramic crown in just one visit — no temporary crown or multiple appointments needed. 

This is particularly good news considering a traditional crown can take up to three weeks before you can trade in your temporary crown for a permanent one.

These high-quality crowns are built to last up to 15 years. 

In other words, with CEREC, you can walk out of our office with a fully restored smile the same day your old crown falls out.

Call our Hercules, California, office if your crown has fallen out. For less urgent matters, use our online scheduling system to book your appointment.