{"id":389,"date":"2021-12-16T16:58:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-16T16:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.capronparkdental.com\/blog\/?p=389"},"modified":"2025-07-24T16:08:41","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T16:08:41","slug":"what-to-do-if-you-lose-a-dental-crown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.capronparkdental.com\/blog\/what-to-do-if-you-lose-a-dental-crown\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do If You Lose a Dental Crown"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If a tooth has been severely damaged or decayed, your dentist may give you a dental crown<\/a>. These durable, tooth-shaped caps can improve the shape, strength, and appearance of a tooth and generally last 10-15 years. As strong and reliable as dental crowns are, that doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re impervious to damage or accidents that may loosen or knock them out of place. A lost dental crown isn\u2019t usually considered a dental emergency<\/a>, but you should still call your dentist as soon as possible to be sure. Once that call has been made, follow these three steps to keep your smile safe until you can see your dentist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Step #1: Locate the Crown<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Look for the lost crown right after you call your dentist. If it\u2019s still in your mouth, remove it to avoid choking. Place it in a plastic sandwich bag for safekeeping. If you can\u2019t find the crown, your dentist will be able to have a new one made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step #2: Inspect Your Mouth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Next, look at the place where the dental crown used to be. Take note of if there are any pieces still lodged there, if the underlying tooth is broken, if there are any sharp edges, or if you\u2019re experiencing significant pain. This information will help your dentist determine whether your situation is a dental emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step #3: Mitigate Discomfort and Prevent Damage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you called your dentist, they should have explained what your next steps should be. Following those steps as closely as possible is the key to preventing further damage to the tooth and making things more comfortable while you wait for them to replace the crown or give you a new one. Some things you may need to do in the meantime include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n