A broken or dislodged dental crown is a common occurrence that can be managed effectively at home until a dental appointment. A dental crown is a custom-made, tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. While a temporary repair protects the underlying tooth structure and reduces discomfort, it is not a permanent solution and requires urgent professional follow-up.
Initial Steps to Manage the Injury
The immediate priority after a crown falls off is to safely retrieve the restoration. If the crown is intact, gently clean it with warm water. Be careful not to drop it, which could cause damage or allow it to be washed down a drain. Next, examine the exposed tooth and surrounding gum tissue, which may feel sensitive or appear irregular.
Rinsing the mouth with a warm salt water solution helps clean the exposed area and may reduce gum irritation or minor swelling. To make this solution, dissolve about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gently swish it around the affected area. If the remaining tooth structure has sharp edges, temporarily cover them with dental wax or a small piece of sugar-free gum.
Pain and thermal sensitivity are common when the protective crown is removed. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage discomfort until you see a dentist. Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages, as the exposed tooth will react strongly to temperature changes.
Applying a Temporary Fix
Reattaching the crown temporarily requires careful preparation to ensure it seats correctly and does not cause further harm. First, inspect the inside of the crown to remove any remnants of old dental cement or debris, which prevent a proper fit. Use a toothpick or a clean cotton swab to gently scrape away the old material, but avoid aggressively scrubbing the interior.
The most reliable temporary adhesive is a dedicated over-the-counter temporary dental cement kit, available at most pharmacies. These kits provide a secure, removable hold that protects the prepared tooth until professional care is available. Follow the product instructions precisely for mixing and application, as using too much adhesive prevents the crown from sitting flush against the tooth.
If temporary cement is unavailable, a small amount of denture adhesive can be used as a weaker substitute. As a last resort, a tiny dab of petroleum jelly or toothpaste can offer minimal temporary retention. Apply only a small, pea-sized amount of the chosen material uniformly inside the crown.
Carefully position the crown back onto the tooth stump, ensuring it faces the correct way and is properly aligned with your bite. Gently bite down to fully seat the crown, making sure your teeth meet comfortably and naturally. Holding the crown in place with light pressure allows the temporary material to begin setting. Use a cotton swab or floss to immediately remove any excess adhesive that squeezes out around the margins before it hardens.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care
While a lost crown is usually not a dire emergency, certain symptoms warrant immediate attention from a dental professional. If you experience severe, throbbing pain not relieved by over-the-counter medication, or if you notice facial swelling, a fever, or extreme bleeding, this indicates a serious infection or abscess requiring urgent care. An emergency visit is also necessary if the underlying tooth structure is visibly fractured below the gum line, or if you believe you may have accidentally swallowed or inhaled the crown.
Avoid using household adhesives like super glue, model glue, or other non-dental products to reattach the crown. These materials are toxic, can severely damage the tooth and gum tissue, and make it significantly more difficult for your dentist to clean and permanently re-cement the crown later. Once the temporary fix is in place, protect it by consuming only soft foods and chewing on the opposite side of your mouth. Regardless of how well the temporary crown holds, contact your dentist immediately to schedule an appointment for a permanent repair.