Dental crowns are a very common dental restoration. Crowns help to restore the functionality, size, shape and look of a tooth that has been damaged or is misshapen. Dental crowns are also used to protect teeth after a root canal procedure is performed and can also be used to close gaps between the teeth.

What to Do If Your Dental Crown Falls Out

Occasionally, a dental crown may become broken and fall out. The first thing you should do in this situation is to assess the severity. Broken dental crowns are not usually considered dental emergencies, but if you’re in a lot of pain, your dentist can often fit you in sooner.

It’s a good idea to try to slip the crown back over the tooth, especially if you’re feeling pain. Make sure that the inside of the crown is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and then use a dental adhesive or tooth cement to keep it on the tooth until you can get in to see Dr. Josh Kelly.

Caring for Your Dental Crowns

There are a few things you can do to improve the odds that your crowns will last for years to come.

• Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day for two minutes at a time with fluoride toothpaste, flossing every day, and making sure to visit Severance Dental every six months for a cleaning and an exam. During these routine visits, we will check your dental crowns and their condition.
• Use anti-bacterial and fluoride mouthwash to aid with plaque removal. Don’t use mouthwash as a substitute for good oral hygiene practices, but in addition to them.
• Lastly, avoid damaging your dental crowns. This means no chewing on hard or sticky foods, making sure you wear a mouth guard during sports, and a night guard when you sleep, especially if you suffer from nighttime clenching and grinding of the teeth (known as bruxism).

If you’ve lost or broken a dental crown, please contact Severance Dental for an emergency appointment. Our office is located here in Severance, Colorado.