So you're munching on some popcorn, and suddenly, something doesn't feel right. You poke around with your tongue and realize your dental crown's fallen out. Don't panic! Here's what you need to do in the event you lose a dental crown. 

Pick Up That Crown

First things first, find that crown! Once you've got it, give it a gentle clean with warm water. Don't scrub or use any chemicals on it. You want to keep it as intact as possible.

Call Your Dentist - ASAP

Next up, get on the phone to your dentist. It's essential to book an appointment as soon as you can. While a fallen crown isn't usually a dental emergency, it's still urgent. Your exposed tooth is vulnerable to damage and decay, so don't delay!

Temporary Fixes

Struggling to set an appointment with your dentist right away? There are a handful of temporary solutions you can explore in the meantime. Over-the-counter dental cement can help hold your crown in place until your appointment. Remember, though, these are just temporary solutions!

Why It's Urgent to Call Your Dentist

You might be thinking, "Why rush? It's just a crown." Well, here's why it's essential to act fast.

Protect That Tooth

Your dental crown wasn't there for decoration — it was protecting your tooth. Without it, your tooth is at risk. It's more sensitive to temperature and pressure and more susceptible to decay. That's not something you want to mess around with!

Avoid Pain and Discomfort

If you leave your tooth exposed for too long, you could start to feel some discomfort. It might become sensitive or even painful. The sooner you get to the dentist, the sooner you can avoid this unnecessary pain.

Don't Let Your Teeth Shift

Believe it or not, your teeth like to move around. If there's a gap because of a missing crown, your other teeth might start to shift into that space. Over time, this could affect your bite and alignment. It's best to get your crown replaced before this happens.

Wrapping Up: Don't Wait, Act Now

In conclusion, if your crown falls out, don't wait around! Pick up that crown, give it a gentle clean, and call your dentist as soon as possible. Remember, your tooth is vulnerable without its crown, so don't delay that call. And while there are temporary fixes to help you out, nothing beats the professional care of your dentist. So don't put it off — act now and protect your smile!