11613 N. Central Expy., Ste. 111A, Dallas, TX 75243
972-360-0096
Discovering that your dental crown has fallen out can be unsettling, to say the least. Whether it happens while you’re enjoying a meal or brushing your teeth, it’s important to know the steps to take immediately after this dental hiccup occurs. This guide is here to walk you through what to do in simple terms, ensuring you handle the situation calmly and effectively.
Step 1: Recover and Rinse the Crown
First things first; carefully retrieve the crown if you can. Once you have it, rinse it gently with lukewarm water. It’s crucial not to scrub it or use any chemicals on it, as you might damage it or alter its shape. Keep it in a safe place, as your dentist may be able to reattach it.
Step 2: Evaluate Your Tooth
Take a moment to assess how your tooth feels. If there’s any pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, or sharp edges that could irritate your tongue or cheek, you’ll need to be extra cautious until you can see your dentist. Avoiding extreme temperatures and sticking to soft foods can help prevent discomfort.
Step 3: Contact Your Dentist ASAP
Getting in touch with your dentist should be your next move. Most dental offices will try to accommodate emergency situations like this, so explain what happened and get an appointment as soon as possible. The quicker you act, the better the chances of reattaching the crown successfully.
Step 4: Temporary Solutions
If you can’t see your dentist right away, you might consider using a temporary dental cement available at most pharmacies, or even a tiny piece of sugar-free chewed gum to place under the crown and onto the tooth until you see the dentist. These products can help hold your crown in place temporarily. However, remember this is just a temporary fix until your (hopefully) immediate dental appointment.
Step 5: Avoid Certain Foods and Habits
While you wait for your dental appointment, it’s wise to avoid chewing gum, eating sticky or hard foods, and using the side of your mouth where the crown fell out. This can help prevent further damage to your tooth or the crown.
What Your Dentist Will Do
When you see your dentist, they’ll assess both the crown and your tooth to determine the best course of action. If the crown and tooth are in good shape, your dentist might simply clean them and reattach the crown. If there’s underlying damage or decay, further treatment might be necessary.
Preventing Future Issues
To avoid future dental crown mishaps, follow your dentist’s care instructions, maintain good oral hygiene, and schedule regular dental check-ups. Sometimes, crowns fall out due to wear and tear or underlying issues, so staying on top of your dental health is key. Flossing is also key for a dental crown to have a long life.
Conclusion
A dental crown falling out can be alarming, but it’s a situation that can be managed with quick and appropriate actions. Remember to keep the crown safe, avoid causing more damage to your tooth, and get in touch with your dentist as soon as you can. With prompt attention, your smile will be back to normal in no time.
If you ever find yourself in this predicament, don’t panic. Follow these steps, and remember, your dentist is there to help get your dental health back on track. Call us at Fundamental Dental for your emergency appointment so that we can have you smiling confidently with your crown today! Just call (972) 360-0096 to schedule!