Losing A Dental Crown: Is It A Dental Emergency?

 Is Losing A Crown A Dental Emergency?

By MK Dental Excellence

We’ve all experienced a dental emergency at one time or another: the throbbing toothache that won’t quit or a chip to the existing crown. While some of these situations require an urgent visit to your dentist, not all are as dire as they seem – particularly when it comes to losing one’s dental crown. Let’s discuss if using a dental crown can be considered a dental emergency. We will also discuss what to do once you lose your dental crown. 

When Do You Need Dental Crowns?

When your tooth structure cannot understand the normal chewing force and you face difficulty, you will need a dental crown. A dental crown’s primary purpose is to cover, protect and restore the shape of your teeth. It becomes the most effective when dental fillings fail to solve the problem. Dental crowns become necessary when there are visible cracks or chips within your tooth structure. With the help of a dental crown, you can save your tooth from decay, and they hold your dental bridge in place. Most dentists often suggest getting a dental crown to cover a dental implant.

Can Losing A Crown Be A Dental Emergency? 

Generally speaking, losing your dental crowns is not considered to be a dental emergency. However, you only need to call your emergency dentist for a broken crown if your tooth has sharp jagged edges. In such situations, you must consult your emergency dentist as soon as possible. It cannot be denied that losing a dental crown will make you feel worried, especially if it falls off your tooth. Thus, losing dental crowns is a fairly common experience that might occur for various reasons. Some causes include biting down on something hard or a sharp blow to the jaw. On the other hand, if the edges of the broken crown are smooth, you can wait until the next time slot for your dental appointment. Based on this, the following situations require urgent attention if you’re facing an issue with your dental crown: 

  • Experiencing severe pain after the crown falls out
  • Any signs of trauma 
  • If you notice that the crown is partially attached to the tooth, then you might need an emergency dentist for your dental crown.
  • Once you notice that your dental crown can’t be removed entirely or put back into place, you need to realize that it’s time to call your emergency dentist. 

What To Do If Your Dental Crown Falls Out? 

Firstly, don’t panic. Once you realize that your dental crown has fallen off, you should contact your dentist first. In the meantime, try using over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce pain and discomfort. In addition, if you see that your dental crown is broken, we recommend you visit an emergency dentist

Losing a dental crown can be a frustrating and painful experience. Still, it’s essential to know when you should seek professional help. In most cases, losing a dental crown is not a true dental emergency and can wait until regular business hours. However, if the tooth is in pain or bleeding, you should go to the dentist immediately. If you’re unsure whether or not your situation qualifies as an emergency, call your dentist, and they will be able to advise you on what to do next.

FAQs

Do Emergency Dentists Do Crowns? 

No, emergency dentists don’t help with getting crowns. If your dental crown has sharp edges, they can fix it. 

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last? 

Dental crowns made from metal alloys tend to last over 20 years. On the other hand, porcelain crowns last between 10 to 20 years with proper care and maintenance.