A lost dental crown is a common issue with straightforward temporary solutions. The primary goal of any home fix is not to achieve a permanent bond but to protect the underlying prepared tooth and maintain the crown’s position until a dentist can provide professional care. Temporary recementation prevents the tooth from shifting and reduces potential sensitivity. Acting quickly to replace the crown safeguards your oral health and prevents further complications since the prepared tooth structure is left exposed and vulnerable.
Immediate Steps After a Crown Falls Off
Your first action should be to locate the crown and carefully examine it to ensure it is intact. Handle the crown gently by the edges, avoiding the hollow interior where the cement will be applied. Rinse the crown with warm water to remove debris or saliva. Inspect the crown for any cracks, chips, or damage, as a broken crown should not be re-seated.
The prepared tooth itself needs gentle cleaning, which can be accomplished by lightly brushing it with a soft-bristled brush and mild toothpaste. Remove any residual cement or food particles from the crown’s interior and the tooth surface, using a toothpick or an opened-up paperclip carefully if needed. If the crown was secured with a post, or if the underlying tooth structure appears heavily damaged or fractured, contact your dentist immediately, as this situation prevents safe home recementation.
Safe Temporary Recementing: Materials and Technique
The most appropriate material for a temporary fix is an over-the-counter dental cement kit, which is specifically formulated for use in the mouth and designed to be easily removed by a dentist later. These kits often contain zinc oxide-based compounds that provide a mild hold without damaging the tooth or the crown. Denture adhesive can serve as a temporary measure, offering a functional bond. In a pinch, a small amount of toothpaste can be used, as it provides a minimal adhesive quality that is non-toxic.
You must never use household adhesives such as super glue, epoxy, or other permanent glues to recement a crown. These products contain toxic chemicals not meant for ingestion and can permanently fuse the crown to the tooth. This makes professional removal extremely difficult, potentially leading to the loss of the tooth. The permanent bond may prevent a dentist from inspecting the underlying tooth for decay.
Before applying any material, the prepared tooth must be as dry as possible, since moisture prevents the temporary adhesive from setting correctly. Use cotton gauze or a clean tissue to thoroughly dry the tooth surface. Apply only a minimal amount of the chosen temporary material—a small dab is usually sufficient—to the inside of the crown, ensuring it does not overfill the space.
Carefully position the crown over the tooth, ensuring it is oriented correctly. Once the crown is seated, bite down gently for one to two minutes to ensure it is fully seated in your normal bite position. Use a clean cotton swab or a soft toothbrush to gently wipe away any excess material that has squeezed out around the edges of the crown.
Managing the Tooth and Crown Until Your Appointment
Once the crown is temporarily secured, exercise caution to prevent it from dislodging again. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the recemented crown is located. Opt for a diet of soft foods that require minimal force to chew. Strictly avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods, such as taffy, nuts, or ice, as they can easily pull the crown off or fracture the temporary cement bond.
Maintain your usual oral hygiene routine, but approach the area around the crown with extra care. Brush the tooth gently, ensuring you clean the gum line without applying too much pressure that could push the crown off. When flossing, slide the floss through the contact point between the teeth. Instead of popping it back up, pull the floss out horizontally from the side. This technique cleans the area while protecting the integrity of the temporary bond.
If the exposed tooth was sensitive before recementation, the crown should provide relief by shielding the dentin from temperature changes. If sensitivity persists or if your gums around the crown become irritated, rinsing with warm salt water can soothe the tissue. Dissolve a half-teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse gently to reduce inflammation.
Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Dental Care
While a temporary fix is often effective, certain signs indicate the need for immediate professional attention rather than attempting a home repair. Severe, throbbing pain not relieved by over-the-counter medication suggests a potential infection or nerve involvement that requires immediate evaluation. Any visible swelling in the gums, face, or jaw, particularly if accompanied by a fever, can signal a serious infection, such as an abscess, which needs prompt antibiotic treatment and dental intervention.
If the crown is broken into multiple pieces or if the underlying prepared tooth structure is fractured, the crown cannot be safely re-seated. If the crown has a metal post attached to it, or if the core build-up of the tooth has come out, this indicates a significant structural failure. Attempting to place the crown back in these compromised situations can cause further damage. Should you accidentally swallow or inhale the crown, seek medical attention immediately.