Emergency Treatment for a Lost Tooth Crown in Clearwater, FL

If you’ve had a tooth restored with a crown, you probably haven’t given it much thought since your procedure was completed. And that’s a good thing. A crown should look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth. So, if your crown has suddenly popped off, you might be somewhat alarmed, not to mention uncomfortable. If you didn’t have a root canal procedure performed on your crowned tooth, the exposed tissue might be sensitive to pressure, air, or hot or cold temperatures. But there’s no need to panic. While you’ll want to see a dentist sooner rather than later, a lost crown is not a true emergency.

What Should You Do?

First, be sure to remove the dislodged crown from your mouth—you don’t want to risk swallowing it. Plus, your dentist may be able to cement it back into place, saving you the time and expense of having a new crown made. Contact a dental office right away and explain what happened. At Florida Dental Centers in Clearwater, Florida, we will see you as soon as possible.

Next, gently brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with water. Take a look at the crown. If the inside is hollow (except for a bit of residual cement), you can try to put it back onto your tooth—it might pop into place. If it doesn’t feel secure, remove it from your mouth. Many drugstores sell a special temporary dental adhesive. If you choose, you can use a small amount to hold your crown in place until you see your dentist. Otherwise, just keep the crown in a safe place and take it with you to your dental appointment. Do not attempt to use any other type of glue or cement, which can potentially damage both your tooth and your crown. If your tooth is painful, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

What Will Your Dentist Do?

After examining your tooth and crown, your dentist will determine whether your crown can be reseated with professional dental cement, or if it needs to be repaired or replaced. For instance, if your crown fell out due to underlying tooth decay or if a portion of your tooth has broken off along with your crown, you may need a tooth restoration such as a filling as well as a new crown.

Even though a lost crown is not an emergency, it is an urgent dental concern. Contact Florida Dental Centers to request an appointment with a dentist at our office in Clearwater, FL.