Play Full VideoA dental crown is cemented onto the abutment that is anchoring it in your mouth with a very strong dental adhesive. In some rare cases, bacteria from chronic gum disease can work to weaken this bond. This could potentially cause a crown to fall out. At the same time, it’s also possible for an oral trauma, like an accidental blow to the face, to damage the abutment within the crown.
If a crown falls out or breaks off, you need to call 808-450-2155 as soon as possible to schedule an appointment at our office.
While you’re waiting for your appointment, there are a couple of things to keep in mind to minimize complications.
Do not attempt to clean, brush or floss any of the exposed abutment or the crown. This could potentially damage the abutment. If an accident left blood or debris in your mouth, you can gently rinse them away with lukewarm saltwater. Any other necessary cleaning procedures should be left to Dr. Char and Dr. Mashimo’s professional tools and techniques.
If chronic gum disease allowed bacteria to weaken the cement that is anchoring your crown, you should see the abutment sticking out of your gums. It will usually look like a small nub of tooth or a dull, gray piece of metal. The crown itself should also be completely hollow.
If the abutment is still intact, our dentists might be able to clean the crown and cement it back onto the abutment. If the crown itself was damaged but the abutment is still sound, he might need to take an impression to have a new crown made.
If you have lost a dental crown in Honolulu, Hawaii, you should not delay in calling 808-450-2155 to have it examined and treated at our office.