What to Do About a Cracked or Missing Crown

Crowns serve as a protective covering for your teeth. You get this kind of dental appliance when your mouth needs some intervention. Maybe you had a root canal that compromised the structure of your tooth, or you have a dental bridge to fill in a missing tooth that gets anchored by the crown. 

In any instance, the crown serves an essential function in your mouth. If something goes wrong with it, then you need to take action.

We’re here to help. Because Nisha Modi, DMD, provides dental crowns, she can evaluate the crown — or the lack thereof, if it’s fallen out — and make a treatment plan for you. Visit us at Miracle Smile Dental in Aubrey, Texas, if your crown cracks or falls out.  

Specifically, take these steps to get the care your mouth needs:

1. Try to find the crown

If the crown falls off, try to locate it, and don’t swallow until you’re sure it’s not still in your mouth. 

There’s a chance Dr. Modi may be able to reattach the crown to your tooth. Moving forward is faster and easier because it’s already precisely fitted to your tooth and color-matched to your surrounding teeth.

2. Call our office

Whether you find the crown, lose it, or it’s still on your tooth but compromised, give us a call and tell us what’s going on. Explain your symptoms, like any bleeding or sensitivity to hot or cold. 

If the tooth is painful, we can get you in for an emergency dentistry appointment. 

Usually, though, it’s safe to wait a day or two before getting care. Our office team can develop a plan with you based on the urgency of your situation. 

3. Protect the tooth

You should protect the now-exposed tooth between the crown mishap and your appointment. Don’t eat anything hard or sticky. When you do eat, chew on the other side of your mouth. 

When you brush your teeth, do so gently. The tooth might be more sensitive without its crown, so take extra care to avoid pain. 

4. Get the crown repaired or replaced

At our office, Dr. Modi evaluates your tooth and the crown (if you still have it) and then makes a personalized plan for you. If the crown gets cracked, she might be able to repair the crack. Similarly, if the crown popped off all in one piece, she may be able to re-bond it to the tooth. 

In cases of severe cracks or chips — or if the crown is missing — she helps you get a new crown. Typically, the lab creates your new crown in a couple of weeks. Once ready, Dr. Modi secures it to your tooth. She might fit you with a temporary crown to protect the tooth. 

If you only remember one thing when your crown chips or falls off, it should be this: call your dentist right away. Contact us at 469-765-3567 or book an appointment using our convenient online scheduling tool.