Help! My Dental Crown Fell Out! Now What?
While losing a dental crown is uncommon, it can happen, and being informed on what actions to take can help ensure the best treatment outcomes. In the event that your crown falls out, make sure to contact Dr. Rick Dentistry right away for an appointment to restore your tooth and to keep your smile bright and healthy.
Why Did My Crown Fall Out?
Crowns can fall out due to a variety of reasons. Chewing hard foods may, over time, loosen your restoration, and tooth decay may weaken the foundation of the tooth, causing your dental crown to lose support and fall out.
What Now?
If your crown falls out, you must protect the exposed tooth. If left exposed, bacteria can cause tooth decay, which in turn can lead to other problems with your teeth and gums.
Start with removing your crown from your mouth to avoid accidentally swallowing it or breathing it in and contact us for an appointment. The sooner you come in, the better because the remaining part of your tooth can sustain damage without the crown. Additionally, missing a crown for a long time may cause the neighboring teeth to begin to shift, meaning that your dental crown may no longer fit.
If you can’t make it to our office right away, you may want to use a temporary adhesive to keep your crown in place and to protect your tooth. First, clean the inside of the restoration then coat it with dental cement that you can purchase at your local drugstore. Never use any household glue or super glue to avoid damaging your tooth and your crown. Another option to protect your exposed tooth is molding dental wax over it to provide a temporary barrier.
It is imperative that you keep the area clean. Gently brush around the affected tooth to remove any food debris. It also helps to rinse your mouth with warm salt water after eating.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
Prevention is the best way to ensure your dental crown lasts for years to come. Make sure to brush and floss rigorously and use a fluoride rinse and fluoride paste to strengthen the tooth's underlying enamel and to prevent tooth decay.
Dental crowns are incredibly strong, but they are at risk of fracturing, just like your natural teeth. Make sure to refrain from chewing on ice or other hard foods or objects that could damage your restoration.
One of the most important ways to ensure your dental crown stays in tip-top shape is to visit your dentist for regular checkups. During your appointment, we will check on your restoration and the underlying tooth structure for any signs of damage, allowing us to address any problems as they arise.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
A healthy smile requires regular dental checkups and cleanings, and Dr. Rick Dentistry is here to help you care for your dental crowns and restorations. We look forward to helping you enjoy a bright and healthy smile for years to come! Call us today!