What To Do When Your Dental Crown Falls Out
Causes of Dental Crowns
Your teeth are comprised of two parts — the root and the anatomical crown. The roots of your teeth are below your gumline and should not be exposed. However, the crowns of your teeth are above your gum line and are visible to the human eye.
Sometimes there are circumstances in which you need a dental crown or a natural-colored cap that gets placed on top of your tooth to preserve and strengthen it while protecting it from future damage.
Some indications for a dental crown include:
- A cracked or broken tooth.
- A large filling from a cavity.
- A root canal.
- A dental implant.
Crowns That Are Built to Last
While dental crowns are built to be long-lasting, there are times when your dental crown might fall out. The feeling of having a ceramic, tooth-shaped object loosely floating around your mouth might be alarming, especially if you are on vacation or nowhere near home. However, there is no need to panic!
Here are steps you can take if your dental crown falls out:
1. Call Your Dentist
Whether you are on vacation or working from home, contact your dentist immediately. A crown falling out is considered a dental emergency, and the staff at Austell Dental Associates will be sure to get you an appointment as soon as possible. The office staff will also reassure you that everything will be okay to reduce any symptoms of anxiety. They will provide you with the next steps to take.
If you are in another town, state, or country — somewhere far from home — it may feel uneasy to not have access to your regular dentist. However, we recommend that you still contact them first. They may know a fellow dentist where you are, and it is important to put this incident on your record to be aware of the situation. In the case that they do not know of anywhere else for you to go, search for local emergency dentists to call that may be able to help sooner rather than later.
2. Preserve the Crown
If you can, hold on to the crown and save it until you see a dentist. Gently rinse the crown under warm water and store it somewhere safe, such as a container or plastic bag. If it is in good condition, it should be easy for the dentist to reattach.
3. Protect Your Tooth
When your crown falls off, it exposes the natural tooth that was once protected. It is likely that your natural tooth is sensitive or even sore and painful. To protect your natural tooth without your crown, try to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. To be extra careful, maintain a diet of soft foods and liquids until the tooth is protected again. While brushing your teeth, be sure to brush extra gently on the affected tooth to avoid aggravating it more.
4. Temporary Fixes
There are temporary fixes that you can try while you are waiting to be seen by a dentist. Most local convenience stores sell temporary dental cement that allows you to glue the crown back into place. If this doesn’t work, you can also purchase dental wax to form around your exposed tooth as a means to protect it.
5. Restore Your Smile at Austell Dental Associates
At Austell Dental Associates, we are here for you when you need it most. If you need your dental crown replaced or reattached, our team understands the importance of restoring the function and appearance of your teeth. With our extensive experience, you can be confident you will receive the personalized and effective dental care you need and deserve.
Don’t hesitate to call our office at (770) 676-1230 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.
