Lost Dental Crown

A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth. A crown can come off when the cement holding it weakens, when decay develops underneath it, or when the tooth is put under unusual force. The tooth underneath may feel sensitive to air, hot or cold food, or pressure, and the exposed shape can feel rough or sharp.

What Lost Dental Crown involves

A dentist will check the tooth underneath, the crown itself, and whether the tooth can be cleaned and recemented or whether a new crown is needed. Bringing the crown with you can help, because in some cases it can be fitted again, while in other cases the tooth underneath needs treatment first.

Signs of Lost Dental Crown

• The crown has come off completely
• Sensitivity to air, hot, or cold on that tooth
• A rough or sharp feeling where the crown was
• Pain when biting on that side

What to do right away for Lost Dental Crown

• Keep the crown in a clean container and bring it to the visit
• Rinse your mouth gently and avoid biting on the exposed tooth
• If the tooth is sensitive, avoid very hot or cold foods on that side
• Do not try to glue the crown back on with household adhesives

How a dentist may help with Lost Dental Crown

• Examine the tooth and the crown
• Clean the tooth and check for decay or damage underneath
• Recement the crown when that is appropriate, or plan a replacement
• Adjust the bite so the tooth meets the opposite teeth comfortably

When to seek urgent care for Lost Dental Crown

Seek urgent care if there is severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or a broken tooth underneath the crown.

General information on this page is not medical advice. A dentist who examines you can give advice for your situation.

Related emergency dental help

• Crowns And Bridges
• Tooth Extraction
• Dental Bonding

Emergency Dental Services — back to the full list. Contact Emergency Dentist for general enquiries, or call for urgent help.

Frequently asked questions about Lost Dental Crown

Can my old crown be put back on?

Sometimes, if the crown and the tooth underneath are in good shape. A dentist will check both before deciding.

What if I swallowed the crown?

Tell the dentist what happened. Do not try to retrieve it yourself, and get advice on what to watch for.

Can I eat with the crown off?

Avoid that side until a dentist has checked the tooth, because the exposed tooth can be sensitive and more easily damaged.