What to do if you lose a dental crown (cap) on an upper tooth?

What to Do If You Lose a Dental Crown (Cap) on an Upper Tooth

If you lose a dental crown on an upper tooth, schedule a dental appointment within a few days for recementation or replacement, and in the meantime, manage any sensitivity with over-the-counter pain medication and avoid chewing on that side.

Immediate Actions

The provided evidence focuses primarily on traumatic dental injuries (tooth fractures, avulsions, luxations) rather than prosthetic crown loss 1. However, applying principles from dental trauma management and general dental knowledge:

First Steps When Crown Comes Off

• Retrieve and clean the crown carefully - rinse it gently with water and store it in a safe, dry place to bring to your dentist 1
• Examine the underlying tooth structure - if the tooth underneath appears intact without sharp edges or severe pain, this is not an emergency requiring same-day care
• Assess for aspiration risk - if there is concern that you might have swallowed or aspirated the crown, seek immediate medical evaluation 1

Pain and Sensitivity Management

• Use NSAIDs as first-line pain control - ibuprofen is recommended for dental discomfort, with acetaminophen as an alternative when NSAIDs are contraindicated 2
• Apply cold compresses to the outside of your face if there is any swelling or discomfort 2
• Avoid temperature extremes with food and beverages to prevent sensitivity on the exposed tooth structure 2
• Follow a soft diet until you can see your dentist to avoid further damage to the exposed tooth 2

Timing of Dental Referral

• Schedule within a few days for a non-emergency crown recementation or replacement - this is not typically an immediate emergency unless there is severe pain, exposed pulp tissue, or significant tooth structure loss 1, 2
• Seek same-day dental care if you experience severe pain, visible pulp exposure (red tissue in the center of the tooth), significant bleeding, or sharp edges causing soft tissue injury 1, 2
• Immediate referral is indicated if there is concern about aspiration of the crown or if the underlying tooth has fractured significantly 1

What Your Dentist Will Do

• Assess the underlying tooth structure - the dentist will evaluate whether the tooth can support recementation of the existing crown or requires a new crown 1
• Check for decay or fracture - any underlying dental caries or tooth fracture will need to be addressed before crown replacement 1
• Recement or fabricate new crown - if the original crown and tooth are in good condition, recementation may be possible; otherwise, a new crown will be needed

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not use household adhesives to reattach the crown yourself - this can damage the tooth and crown, making professional recementation more difficult
• Avoid chewing on the affected side until the crown is replaced to prevent fracture of the exposed tooth structure 2
• Do not delay dental care for weeks - prolonged exposure of the prepared tooth can lead to sensitivity, decay, or tooth movement that may compromise the fit of the crown 1
• Store the crown properly - do not wrap it in tissue where it might be accidentally discarded; keep it in a small container or plastic bag 1