Dental crowns are a common dental restoration used to protect and strengthen a damaged tooth. However, despite their durability, they can sometimes become dislodged or fall off for various reasons, such as decay, trauma, or wear and tear over time. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to know what steps to take to address the issue promptly and effectively.
1. Don't Panic
While it can be alarming to discover that your dental crown has fallen off, it’s essential to remain calm. Losing a crown is a common dental problem and can typically be resolved with a visit to your dentist.
2. Retrieve the Crown
If your crown has fallen off, try to locate it and keep it in a safe place. In some cases, the dentist may be able to reattach the crown, especially if it’s undamaged.
3. Assess the Tooth
After removing the crown, inspect the underlying tooth. If debris or leftover adhesive is on the tooth surface, gently clean it with a toothbrush and water.
4. Check for Sensitivity or Pain
If you experience discomfort or sensitivity after the crown falls off, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to alleviate it. However, avoid applying aspirin directly to the affected area, as it can cause irritation to the gums.
5. Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side
Until you can see your dentist, try to avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the crown has fallen off. This will help prevent further damage to the underlying tooth and reduce the risk of irritation or injury.
6. Contact Your Dentist
As soon as possible, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment to have your crown reattached. Explain the situation to the dental office staff, and they will likely prioritize your appointment to address the issue promptly.
What Not To Do if Your Crown Fell Out?
While it’s important to take certain actions if your crown falls off, there are also some things you should avoid doing to prevent further complications:
- Don't Delay Seeking Dental Care: Ignoring a lost crown can lead to additional dental problems, such as tooth sensitivity, decay, or even further damage to the underlying tooth structure. It's crucial to seek professional dental care as soon as possible.
- Avoid Trying to Reattach the Crown Yourself: While it may be tempting to try to reattach the crown using over-the-counter dental adhesives or household glues, this can cause more harm than good. Improperly reattaching the crown can lead to improper fit, discomfort, or even damage to the tooth or surrounding gum tissue.
- Don't Ignore Pain or Discomfort: If you experience any pain, discomfort, or changes in your oral health after your crown falls off, don't ignore it. These symptoms could indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed by a dentist.
How to Prevent a Dental Crown From Falling Off?
While some factors leading to a crown falling off may be beyond your control, there are steps you can take to help prevent this from happening:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Maintaining proper oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash, can help prevent decay and gum disease that could compromise the integrity of your crown.
- Avoid Chewing Hard Foods: Be cautious when eating hard or sticky foods, as they can put excessive pressure on your dental crown and increase the risk of it becoming dislodged.
- Attend Regular Dental Check-ups: Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your dental crown and address any issues before they escalate. Your dentist can also professionally clean and examine the crown to ensure it remains secure and intact.
If your dental crown falls off, remain calm, retrieve the crown if possible, and contact Gables iSmile, Miami iSmile, and Lauderdale iSmile immediately to schedule an appointment. Avoid trying to reattach the crown yourself and take steps to prevent further complications in the future by practicing good oral hygiene and seeking regular dental care. By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage the situation and maintain the health and integrity of your dental crown.
Miami iSmile
- 11500 NW 7th Street Miami, FL 33168
- (786) 705-3332
Lauderdale iSmile
- 2412 N State Rd 7, Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33313
- (954) 585-9992
