When you have a tooth that’s severely damaged, you may have had it fixed with a dental crown. It is a long-lasting, durable solution that lets you bite into your favorite foods with ease. But some accidents can cause them to come out. You may have been shocked if this happened to you, but it’s important to stay calm, as your emergency dentist can help you out. This guide will walk you through what to do if a crown falls out.
Step 1: Handle & Clean the Dental Crown with Care
If your restoration comes out, it’s essential to be careful when removing it from your mouth. It may have broken into multiple pieces or stayed intact, but be sure not to swallow it. Ensure that you have all the pieces to it and clean off any debris that is on it with water. If you have a toothbrush handy, then you can gently brush it. You can place the dental crown in a clean, airtight container.
You should also tend to your exposed tooth. Gently rinse and brush it with sensitive toothpaste to remove any food particles or plaque around it.
Step 2: Call Your Dentist Right Away
Afterward, it’s crucial to call your dentist right away to get scheduled for an emergency appointment. Be sure to tell them about the state of the crown, and they can give you some advice on how you can protect your exposed tooth. In most cases, your dentist will try to see you on the same day!
Step 3: Ensure Your Tooth is Protected
Depending on the conditions of your dental crown and what your dentist says, it might be possible to reattach it. Double-check and ensure that your exposed tooth and restoration are clean, then you can use a tiny dab of toothpaste or temporary crown cement to keep it in place.
In some cases, you may not be able to do this or it’s uncomfortable to do so, so you can cover the exposed tooth with some sugarless gum or dental wax. This should minimize the risk of further damage and sensitivity. In the meantime, try to avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth and steer clear of hard or sticky foods. It’s worth mentioning that these are only temporary solutions, and only your dentist can give a permanent fix.
How Will My Dentist Fix My Crown?
If your restoration is still completely intact and in great condition, then it may be easily reattached. Thankfully, you are not out of luck if that’s not the case for you! The good news is that your dentist may offer CEREC crowns. These are made from a handy machine in the office that quickly mills out a new restoration on the same day. That means that even if it broke into pieces, a permanent one can be made within a short wait instead of a couple of weeks!
A dental crown that fell off suddenly shouldn’t leave you in a panic. Follow these steps until you can visit your dentist. With their help, you’ll be able to restore your smile!
About the Author
At Lifetime Dental of Gainesville, we are dedicated to giving all our patients the best care they deserve, especially during a dental emergency like a dental crown that fell out. Dr. Shue Her and Dr. Michael Pennington work together to ensure that your problem is solved and give you the much-needed relief. We are proud to offer CEREC crowns to get your grin back to perfection right away. If you have a dental crown that came out, schedule an appointment or don’t hesitate to call us at (770) 536-6688.
