Help! I Think I Lost a Crown

One moment, you’re enjoying your meal, and the next, you have a gap in your smile. Don’t panic. Crowns occasionally pop out, and replacing them is no big deal.

Dr. Dana Samet and our Dental Art of South Bay team in Torrance, California, have a fast and simple solution to lost crowns. CEREC technology enables us to fix the problem in our office within a few hours. Here’s what you need to know.

What to do when you lose a crown

Dental crowns protect compromised or weakened teeth, so that vulnerable tooth is exposed when you lose one. Here’s what to do:

Assess the situation

Is a lost crown the only problem, or do you have soft tissue trauma, too? Are you experiencing sensitivity or pain?

Find the crown, if possible, and inspect it for any visible damage. 

Keep the crown safe

If you find the crown, keep it in a safe place. Gently clean it with water to remove any debris. Store it in a small container or a sealed plastic bag. Don’t use adhesives or glues to reattach the crown yourself.

Rinse your mouth

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep it clean, reduce the risk of infection, and soothe your gums. 

Temporary solutions for lost crowns

A lost crown isn’t a dental emergency, but it does require treatment, so don’t delay calling us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Samet. Meanwhile, try these tips:

Use dental wax

If your exposed tooth hurts, put some dental wax on it. It’s available at most pharmacies and can provide temporary relief until you see Dr. Samet.

Avoid certain foods

Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the side where the crown is missing. 

Over-the-counter pain relief

If you’re experiencing significant discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help. 

Why choose Dental Art of South Bay for your crown replacement?

Dr. Samet and our team are known for our expertise, compassionate care, and our advanced technology like CEREC, which allows us to replace lost crowns quickly.

CEREC stands for chairside economical restoration of esthetic ceramics. It’s a cutting-edge technology that enables us to create custom dental crowns in a single visit. CEREC uses digital impressions and CAD/CAM software to design and mill precise crowns that fit perfectly.

When you visit Dr. Samet, she examines your tooth and the old crown and takes digital impressions of your tooth to create a new crown. The process is quick, usually completed within a few hours, and you leave the office with a fully restored tooth.

Risks of delaying treatment for a lost crown

Ignoring a lost crown can lead to several complications, including tooth decay, gum disease, and further damage to the exposed tooth. Immediate care not only alleviates discomfort but also reduces the risk of infection. 

Prompt action can prevent these issues and ensure a smoother restoration process.

Losing a crown can be a royal pain, but replacing it is a breeze. Call Dental Art of South Bay to schedule an appointment.