Crowns are meant to be a permanent dental restoration. However, even the highest quality and best-placed crowns can fall out. Common reasons for dislodging or losing a crown include trauma, tooth grinding and decay. The cement that is holding an old crown in place may also be worn down.
Regardless of why your dental crown fell out, it is important to know what to do in this situation. A loose crown needs immediate action steps to avoid further complications. If your crown is not damaged, your dentist will be able to bond it back into place without problem.
First and foremost, don’t swallow! Carefully remove the crown from your mouth to avoid choking and to save the crown itself.
Next, call your dentist! Contact your dentist as soon as you can. Dr. Gilreath can likely see patients with a loose crown the very same day or soon after.
In the meantime, keep the area clean! This may be challenging. However, it is very important that you keep both your crown and the damaged tooth as clean as possible until you see your dentist. Try to sterilize the crown and keep it in a dry, tight container. When it comes to your affected tooth, brush it gently with a soft –bristled toothbrush.
You may experience pain or sensitivity if your tooth nerve is still active. This is normal since the tooth has lost its protective covering. Try to avoid extreme temperatures and eat softer foods to reduce discomfort. For additional help while you wait for your dental appointment, you can buy temporary dental cement from a drug store. Never use this as a long-term fix – only a dentist can restore your crown properly after it is dislodged.
At Gilreath Family Dentistry, we do everything we can to make sure your dental emergencies are treated promptly. Always call our office if your crown feels loose or comes out completely. We are happy to walk you through the immediate action steps and work you in our schedule.
Posted on behalf of Dr. Paul Gilreath IV,