If Your Crown Falls Out Over the Weekend
Losing a crown can be alarming, but in most cases it is not a true dental emergency. The good news is that there are a few simple steps you can take to protect your tooth until we’re able to see you.
What to Do Right Away

1. Save the crown
   If you still have the crown, gently rinse it with water and place it in a safe container. Do not scrub it or use chemicals to clean it.
2. Do not glue it back in yourself
   Please avoid using super glue or household adhesives. These materials can damage the tooth and make proper re-cementation more difficult. It’s ok to put it back in with nothing or with some tooth paste in the crown if you’re able.
3. Keep the tooth clean
   Gently brush the area if it’s comfortable to do so, and rinse with warm salt water to keep the tooth and surrounding gums clean.
4. Avoid chewing on that side
   The exposed tooth may be more fragile or sensitive. Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth and avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods.
5. Manage sensitivity if needed
   If the tooth is sensitive to temperature, avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used as directed, unless you’ve been told otherwise by your physician. Some patients have found success putting Sensodyne toothpaste or Oragel on the tooth directly for relief.

When Is This an Emergency?
A crown that falls out rarely requires immediate emergency treatment, but you should contact us sooner if you experience:

• Significant pain for more than 1 hour after he comes off
• Swelling of the face
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop
• Signs of infection such as fever or pus

If any of these occur, please seek out urgent care or your primary care doctor.
What We’ll Do When You Come In
When we see you, we’ll evaluate:

• The condition of the tooth underneath
• Whether the crown can be safely re-cemented
• If any repairs or a new crown are needed

In many cases, the crown can simply be cleaned and reattached.