My Crown Fell Off: What Should I Do?

You've just discovered that your dental crown has fallen off, and you're probably feeling a bit panicked.

Don't worry! Our Smile Design Studio of Bethesda team in Bethesda and Gaithersburg, Maryland, offers emergency dentistry appointments so you can get dental care when you need it most. 

What you should do immediately

While you wait for your appointment, take a moment to review this step-by-step guide so you know exactly what to do.

Retrieve your crown

The first thing you should do is locate and retrieve your crown. Rinse it off gently with warm water to clean away any debris. 

Examine your dislodged crown

Carefully inspect both your crown and your tooth. Look for any damage to the crown, such as cracks or chips. 

While you should store a knocked-out tooth in the socket (to improve the chance of successful reattachment), you don’t need to do that for a crown. In fact, keeping a dislodged crown in your mouth increases your risk of swallowing it. Instead, store it in a clean plastic bag. 

Check your tooth for sensitivity, pain, or any sharp edges. 

Rinse your mouth

Gently brush the area with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to keep it clean and reduce the risk of infection. 

Protect your tooth

With the crown gone, the inner portion of your tooth may be exposed.

If your tooth is sensitive or has sharp edges, use dental wax or temporary dental cement (available at most pharmacies) to cover it. This helps protect your tooth and reduce discomfort until you can visit one of our offices in Bethesda and Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Give us a call

Once you’ve inspected your crown and protected your tooth, it’s time to give us a call — if you haven’t already. 

Tip: Store our phone numbers in your phone now before emergencies arise, so if you need it, you can easily reach us.

What not to do after a crown falls out

What you don’t want to do when your crown falls out is just as important as what you should do. First and foremost, don’t panic.  You have treatment options. 

While waiting for your dental appointment with Dr. Treva Willis, Dr. Michael Wright, or Dr. Maria Wright, don’t: 

• Chew on the side of your mouth with the missing crown
• Eat hard or sticky foods
• Chew on nonfood items
• Postpone your appointment 

Sometimes a dislodged crown can mean that nerves are exposed. If that happens, you may have tooth pain or increased sensitivity. Consider taking over-the-counter pain relief medication. 

What to expect when you come in for a crown repair

When you arrive for your appointment, we assess the situation, examine your tooth,  and determine the best solution. We might be able to reattach the crown if it's in good condition and fits well.

If your crown or tooth is damaged, we may need to create a new crown or explore other options. 

In either case, the goal is to restore your smile and alleviate any discomfort you have.

Whether your crown can be reattached or you need a new crown, we can provide tips to reduce the risk of future problems. This may include routine exams to check your crowns and look for any red flags or signs of damage.

A broken or dislodged crown can be stressful, but our team is here to help. We’re just a call or click away.