What to Do If Your Dental Crown Falls Off

A dental crown typically protects a tooth that sustains significant damage by tooth decay. Also known as caps, these devices allow an individual to regain the look and functionality of his/her natural teeth. Dental crowns also often work in conjunction with other oral prosthetics like bridges. Crowns typically consist of porcelain or ceramics, but they can also consist of metals like gold or silver. Here is a look at a few simple things you should do if your dental crown falls off:

1. Remove the crown and store it safely

When you notice a crown is about to fall off, remove it from your mouth. It is possible to accidentally swallow it if it falls off. It is also possible to inhale the crown into your lungs. While this can lead to serious health issues, it is rare. Swallowing the crown is more common, but there is no need to panic if that happens. It should move right through your digestive system and you will eventually excrete it.

If you can remove the crown, be careful. Store it in a safe container and bring it with you to the dentist office. The truth is that the dentist can most likely place the crown back in the sooner you act.

2. Head to the dentist ASAP

A visit to the dentist should be a priority when a crown falls out. The crown serves an important function of protecting the tooth underneath it. Make sure to re-attach the crown or replace it as soon as possible to minimize exposure to the damaged tooth.

3. Protect the tooth with a temporary filling

If the patient is unable to visit the dentist office when a dental crown falls off, the patient will need to come up with a creative way to protect the tooth. For example, the patient might be able to temporarily reattach the tooth by using over-the-counter dental cement. Make sure to clean the crown thoroughly before reinserting it in the mouth.

The patient can also apply dental wax over the tooth to protect it from saliva, food particles and bacteria in the mouth. Dental wax is available in most grocery stores and supermarkets. The dental cement will protect the tooth until the patient can make it to the dentist's office.

4. Maintain good oral hygiene

Having good oral hygiene becomes even more important when a crown falls out. The patient needs to be careful when brushing the tooth after losing the crown since it is possible to irritate it or brush out the filling. In addition, rinse the mouth with salt water after every meal to minimize the exposure to acids and food particles.

5. Use pain medication

A crown falling out will sometimes leave the nerves and pulp inside the tooth exposed. This often leads to pain, particularly when drinking or eating. The severity of the pain can range from a dull barely noticeable sensation to sharp, persistent pain.

Use over-the-counter pain medication to dull the pain, and apply clove oil to the tooth to numb the area. Want to learn more things you can do when a crown falls out? Contact one of our dentists today.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Metro Smiles Dental, request an appointment in our Forest Hills dental office here: https://metrosmiles.com. Or call us at (718) 841-9591.