Dental crowns are crucial for restoring damaged teeth, but sometimes, they can unexpectedly fall off. Whether it’s due to wear, decay, or an injury, a dislodged crown can cause some panic. However, it’s important to stay calm and take the right steps to prevent further damage.
We understand that situations like these can be stressful. That’s why we’ve created a step-by-step guide to help you handle the situation effectively until you can see us for a permanent fix. Here’s what to do if your dental crown falls off.
1. Find the Crown and Inspect It
First, look around for the crown. If it’s still in one piece, you may be able to temporarily reattach it. Be sure to handle the crown carefully, especially the inside where it was fixed to your tooth, as this can affect its ability to bond later.
Take a look at the tooth underneath the crown too. Is it damaged? Is there any decay? You want to assess the situation before trying anything else.
2. Clean the Tooth and Crown
Once you’ve located both the crown and the tooth, give them a gentle clean. Use lukewarm water to rinse both the crown and the exposed tooth. Be sure not to brush too hard as the exposed area may be sensitive. Avoid using harsh chemicals to clean the tooth.
3. Temporary Fix (Only If Necessary)
While you should see a dentist as soon as possible, if you can’t make it right away, you can use temporary dental cement, available at most pharmacies, to reattach the crown. Do not use superglue or any household adhesives as these can be harmful and ineffective.
Place the crown back onto the tooth and gently press it into place. Be cautious! avoid chewing on the affected side to ensure you don’t accidentally dislodge the crown again.
4. Stay Away from Hard Foods
Whether or not you’ve temporarily reattached the crown, it’s best to avoid eating on that side of your mouth until your dentist can assess the situation. Stick to soft foods and avoid anything too sticky or crunchy, which could cause more harm.
5. Get in Touch with Enhance Dental
As soon as you can, call Enhance Dental to schedule an appointment. Crowns don’t just fall off for no reason. We need to examine your tooth and crown to ensure everything is in good condition. If the crown is damaged, or the tooth has developed decay, you may need a replacement crown or other treatments.
6. What to Do If Your Tooth Hurts
If you’re experiencing pain or sensitivity after the crown falls off, it’s important to address the discomfort immediately. You can use over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen for relief, but don’t delay seeing a dentist. Sensitivity could indicate an underlying issue that needs to be treated.
Learn why the crowned tooth hurts.
7. Prevent Future Crown Issues
To reduce the chances of this happening again, there are several preventive measures you can take:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
- Wear a Mouthguard if You Grind Your Teeth: If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), wearing a custom mouthguard can protect your crowns and natural teeth from wear.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Be mindful of foods that could put excess pressure on your crowns, like ice, hard candy, or nuts.
What Happens When You See a Dentist?
When you visit the dentist, they will assess both the crown and the underlying tooth. If there’s any damage to the tooth or signs of decay, the dentist will determine whether a new crown or other restorative treatments are needed. In some cases, if the crown is still in good condition, it can be reattached using a stronger adhesive.
Conclusion
While it’s not ideal for your crown to fall off, the good news is that it can be managed easily with the right steps. Retrieving the crown, keeping the tooth clean, and contacting your dentist are the first key actions. The dentist will work with you to restore the crown or find a solution to ensure your smile remains healthy and intact.
Don’t let a dislodged crown cause unnecessary stress. Reach out to Enhance Dental today, and we’ll take care of the rest!