Emergency Dentistry
I Lost a Crown. What Should I Do?
A lost crown is not always painful, but the tooth underneath may be exposed, sensitive, decayed, or weakened.
Quick Take
A lost crown should be checked because the tooth underneath may be sensitive, decayed, cracked, or at risk of shifting or breaking.
I lost a crown. What should I do right now?
Save the crown and call first. Do not use superglue. If the crown fits easily and the bite feels normal, temporary dental cement may be used carefully until you are seen.
Can this wait?
A lost crown can sometimes wait briefly if there is no pain, no sharp edge, and no bite problem, but sensitivity, pain, swelling, or a loose tooth should be handled promptly.
When should I go to the ER?
Go to the ER for severe swelling, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, major trauma, or any medical emergency.
What can Elm Ridge do?
Elm Ridge can evaluate the tooth and crown, recement the crown when appropriate, replace it, treat decay, build up the tooth, or discuss root canal or extraction if needed.
What might the treatment involve?
Treatment might include recementing, a new crown, buildup, root canal treatment, or replacement planning if the tooth is not restorable.
When a crown can be reused
The crown has to fit well, the tooth has to be healthy enough, and the bite has to be stable. Decay, cracks, or poor fit may mean a new crown is safer.
Will insurance apply?
Emergency exam, X-ray, and triage commonly range from $150-$350 for emergency exam, X-rays, and triage; treatment is separate. Treatment such as a filling, crown, root canal, extraction, medication, or follow-up care is separate. We can estimate benefits, but final payment is determined by the insurance company.
Related Questions Patients Ask
Dental crowns
How lab-made crowns protect weakened teeth.
Crown cost
What affects the estimate if the crown needs replacement.
Root canals
When the tooth under a crown becomes painful or infected.
Related Care
Emergency FAQ
Do not use superglue. Temporary dental cement may be used only if the crown fits easily and the bite feels normal.
Sometimes. The tooth and crown have to be evaluated first. Decay, fracture, or poor fit may mean replacement is needed.
It can be urgent if there is pain, swelling, sensitivity, a sharp edge, or trouble chewing. Call for guidance.
Call first for urgent dental problems
Same-day care is offered when the schedule allows, but calling is the best way to get triaged.