Dental crowns in Allen are designed to last for years. In fact, with proper care, you might keep a crown for a decade or longer. Unfortunately, though, these restorations do occasionally fall off unexpectedly. If that happens to you, don’t worry. There are some practical steps you can take to deal with a lost dental crown and prevent further damage to your exposed tooth.
Call Your Dentist
As soon as possible, call your dentist and let them know what happened. Depending on the specifics of the situation, they might urge you to come in right away for an emergency appointment. This is often the case if the crown fell off due to an injury or because the tooth underneath it broke. In other situations, such as if overenthusiastic flossing made the crown fall off, they might give you some tips on how to protect the tooth and advise you to schedule an appointment within a week or so.
Try to Replace the Crown
If you still have the crown that fell off, your dentist might advise you to try to temporarily replace it on the tooth. This is often possible if the crown is not seriously damaged. First, carefully clean the crown. Then, figure out how the crown best fits on the tooth. Use a dab of temporary dental adhesive or toothpaste to secure it in place.
Be Careful About What You Eat
Teeth that have crowns tend to be more vulnerable and sensitive than other teeth. Therefore, you should be cautious about both how you eat and what you eat while your crown is out of commission. It is best to avoid extremely hot or cold foods, as well as crunchy foods that might irritate the exposed tooth. When you chew, try to always chew on the opposite side of your mouth as the lost crown.
Keep Up with Oral Hygiene
Careful oral hygiene can prevent harmful bacteria and food particles from causing further damage to the exposed tooth. Continue to gently brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss regularly. Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash for 30 – 60 seconds a few times each day may also be helpful.
Monitor the Tooth
If you do not visit your dentist within a day or so after the crown falls off, it is important that you keep a close watch on your tooth. If you start to experience significant pain or you notice that the tooth or the tissue around it is suffering further damage, call your dentist and try to get your appointment time moved up.
A lost dental crown is a serious problem, but it doesn’t have to turn into a disaster. The above guidance can help you protect your smile from further harm.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Keyvan Kar is an accomplished dentist and prosthodontist. As a prosthodontist, he specializes in creating functional, strong, and aesthetically pleasing dental prosthetics, including crowns. If you have questions about how to care for your crowns, he would be pleased to talk with you. Contact our practice at 214-260-9911.