Written and clinically reviewed by Dr. Andrew Korcek, DDS, FAGD · Korcek Dental, Minden, Nevada
What to do in a dental emergency
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Keep the crown if you have it, because it can often be re-cemented. Cover the exposed tooth with over-the-counter temporary dental cement, avoid chewing on that side, and call for an appointment. This is urgent within days, not minutes, unless there is pain.
Straight away
- •Keep the crown. Rinse it, put it somewhere safe, and bring it with you. Re-cementing an existing crown is faster and cheaper than making a new one.
- •Cover the tooth. Pharmacy temporary dental cement works well. Dental wax or even sugar-free gum will do in a pinch.
- •Never use household adhesive. Superglue is toxic to pulp tissue and makes the crown unusable, turning a re-cement into a remake.
- •Keep the area clean and chew on the other side.
Why not to leave it for a month
A prepared tooth under a crown has had its enamel reduced. The exposed dentine underneath is softer, far more sensitive, and decays quickly.
There is also a mechanical problem. Teeth drift. Leave a crown off long enough and the neighbouring and opposing teeth move into the space, at which point the old crown no longer fits and a new one has to be made. A week is fine. Two months frequently is not.
When it is more urgent
- •Severe sensitivity or pain, which suggests the pulp is irritated
- •A sharp edge cutting your tongue or cheek
- •Visible dark decay in the exposed tooth
- •The crown came out with a piece of tooth attached to it
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