Emergency Dental Guide

Broken or Lost Dental Crown What to Do

If your dental crown just broke or fell out, you can save the tooth and avoid pain. Clean the crown if you still have it, store it safely, and call a dentist within 24 hours. For immediate help, phone 1‑888‑771‑7431. Our free service matches you with a nearby office ready to fix your crown today.

Step one: don’t panic. This is fixable.

Take a breath. This happens to millions of people each year. You don't need to rush to the ER at midnight, but you should see a dentist within a day or two.

When the crown is still in your mouth but loose, don't wiggle it. Avoid chewing on that side. If it's already out, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (half a teaspoon in a cup). This keeps the area clean and lowers infection risk.

You might feel a rough edge or a hole where the crown was. That's normal. The tooth underneath can be sensitive to hot, cold, or air. Over‑the‑counter ibuprofen (400 mg) or acetaminophen (500 mg) can help while you wait. Avoid topical numbing gels meant for teething. They can irritate your gums.

What to do with the crown itself

If you've still got the crown, that's great. Rinse it under lukewarm water. Do not scrub it, and don't use toothpaste or soap. Look inside. Is the crown hollow, or does it have a little post (a “post‑and‑core” crown)? That tells the dentist what kind of repair you need.

Keep the crown in a small container or a plastic bag. Some dentists suggest wrapping it in a moist paper towel so it doesn't dry out. Don't try to glue it back yourself with superglue, nail polish, or any household adhesive. Those materials are toxic and will ruin the crown for good.

Bring the crown with you to your appointment. In many cases, the dentist can recement it right away, saving you the cost of a new one.

When to call right away (and when you can wait)

Call a dentist right away if you have severe pain ibuprofen won't help, pus around the tooth, or a cracked tooth underneath. These signs suggest nerve infection needing prompt treatment.

If the tooth feels fine after the crown came off, you can safely wait 24–48 hours. Use the other side of your mouth to eat soft foods. Avoid anything crunchy, sticky, or hot. Drinking through a straw on the opposite side can reduce sensitivity.

A lost crown leaves the tooth vulnerable. Bacteria can get inside and cause decay or an abscess. Waiting weeks raises the risk of serious problems.

What the dentist will do (and what it costs)

Your dentist will examine the tooth and the crown. If the crown is intact and the tooth is healthy, they’ll clean both surfaces and recement it. That visit usually takes 30 minutes and costs between $150 and $350, depending on your location.

If the crown is broken, they’ll need to make a new one. That process typically requires two visits: one to prepare the tooth and take an impression, and another to place the new crown two weeks later. A new porcelain‑fused‑to‑metal crown runs $800‑$1,500 per tooth. All‑ceramic crowns are more expensive.

Many dental offices offer financing or monthly payment plans. Don't assume you can't afford it until you ask.

Why crowns fail in the first place

Crowns don't last forever. The average lifespan is 10‑15 years. They can come loose because the cement weakens over time, or because new decay forms under the crown. Grinding your teeth at night (bruxism) can fracture a porcelain crown.

Sometimes the tooth underneath fractures, making the crown feel loose. That's a more serious problem, often requiring a root canal or even extraction. Your dentist will take an X‑ray to see what's happening below the gum line.

Knowing why your crown failed helps prevent the next one from doing the same. If you grind your teeth, a night guard might be recommended.

What not to do while you wait

Don't chew gum, eat caramel, or bite into anything hard like popcorn kernels or ice. Those can crack the exposed tooth or damage the crown beyond repair.

Don't ignore swelling or a fever. Those are signs of infection, and a dentist may prescribe antibiotics if needed. Do not try to “sterilize” the crown with alcohol or boiling water. You'll warp it.

Don't assume you can go without a crown for months. The tooth will continue to wear down and may shift, making a new crown more expensive later.

Frequently asked questions

Can I eat if my crown fell out?

Yes, but stick to soft foods on the opposite side. Scrambled eggs, yogurt, pasta, and soups are safe. Avoid anything that requires forceful chewing.

Will my tooth hurt without the crown?

It might. The tooth's inner dentin is exposed, which can be sensitive to temperature and air. Over‑the‑counter pain relievers usually manage it until you see a dentist.

How long can I wait to get my crown recemented?

Ideally within 24 hours. After a few days, the tooth can shift or become more sensitive, and the crown may no longer fit perfectly. Still, bring the crown with you even if it's been a week. The dentist can often adjust it.

Is a lost crown a dental emergency?

Not usually, but it becomes one if you're in severe pain, have swelling, or the tooth is broken. If you're unsure, call a dentist. They'll tell you whether to come in today or tomorrow.

Internal links: Broken tooth emergency and Lost crown or filling.

For authoritative dental information, visit the American Dental Association.

This article provides general information only, not medical advice. If you have a life‑threatening emergency, call 911. For dental issues, call 1‑888‑771‑7431 to speak with a local dentist.