It can be annoying to lose a dental crown. Crowns stabilize weakened teeth, restore function, and keep your smile looking good. When one is loose or is lost, it’s not just a cosmetic concern; it can leave your tooth vulnerable to decay, sensitivity, or further damage. Getting ahead of what to do can prevent pain and avoid problems.

Dental crowns are designed to last, but something beyond our control happens. Every day, chomping or grinding on something hard, decay beneath the crown, or previously worn-out fillings, will cause a crown to loosen. A prompt response will save your tooth until you can visit a dentist.

Things to Do Right Away When You Lose a Crown

Inspect the Crown and Tooth

Start by checking the crown and the tooth underneath. Make sure the crown is dust and debris-free, and clean it. If there is any remaining dental cement on the tooth, remove it. If the crown is chipped or broken, inform your dentist.

Protect the Tooth

Bare teeth are also sensitive to air, food, and temperature. You can temporarily cover the tooth with dental wax or sugar-free gum to alleviate discomfort. Avoid hard or sticky foods that might irritate the tissue.

Temporarily Hold the Crown

If your crown is not broken, then temporary over-the-counter toothpaste or cement will keep it in for the time being during your visit. Never attempt to reattach the crown in the long run yourself.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

• Don’t delay the problem; exposed teeth left untreated can decay quickly.
• Don’t chew on the side of the broken crown.
• Benignly treat the area with saltwater rinses and brushing.

These are basic emergency care tips for missing dental crowns that will keep you healthy until professional help comes. 

When to Call Your Dentist

You need to contact your dental clinic right away once you realise your crowns are missing. If you’ve lost crowns, you also need help without delay. Loose crowns can be a sign of problems such as decay, weakened tooth structure, or crown fit issues. Your dentist may clean the tooth, check for damage, and reattach or replace the crown properly.

For Los Angeles patients who need crowns, treatment at the outset prevents small issues from developing into large procedures. Being prepared for emergencies keeps you relaxed and preserves your smile.

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

Taking care of crowns to keep them healthy for years requires easy, everyday habits:

• Brush teeth twice a day with a soft brush.
• Brush softly around crowns to prevent decay on the edges.
• Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or other hard substances.
• Regular dental checks reveal early loosening signs.

If your crown is loose or cracked, visit your dentist immediately. Knowing what to do in case of lost crowns will save you pain and potential damage to your tooth.

A lost crown is an emergency, but prompt, careful treatment can save your tooth and end pain. Always keep the crown in a safe place, cover the exposed tooth, and schedule an emergency dental appointment. For professional care and reliable solutions, visit Westwood Dental Esthetics to repair your dental crown and keep your pretty smile intact.

Don’t wait—call today to save your dental health and have safe crowns.