What to Do When Your Crown Falls Off Your Tooth
Losing a dental crown can be a distressing experience, but it’s important to remain calm and take immediate action to ensure your tooth remains healthy. A dental crown is a protective covering that is placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. When it falls off, it can leave you feeling vulnerable and in pain. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do when your crown falls off your tooth.
1. Gather the Crown
First and foremost, gather the fallen crown. It’s crucial to keep it safe and clean. If possible, place the crown in a container filled with milk or saliva to prevent it from drying out. This will help preserve its shape and condition until you can see a dentist.
2. Clean Your Tooth
While you’re waiting to see a dentist, gently clean your tooth with warm water and a soft toothbrush. Avoid using any toothpaste or other cleaning agents that could potentially irritate the exposed tooth surface.
3. Pain Relief
If you’re experiencing pain, take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed on the label. This will help alleviate discomfort until you can get professional treatment.
4. Protect the Tooth
To protect your exposed tooth from further damage, you can use a temporary dental cement or dental glue to reattach the crown. However, this is not a permanent solution and should only be used as a temporary measure. If you don’t have any temporary cement or glue, you can use sugarless gum or dental wax to seal the exposed tooth.
5. Schedule an Appointment with a Dentist
It’s essential to see a dentist as soon as possible to have the crown reattached or replaced. Delaying treatment can lead to further damage to your tooth and may require more extensive and costly procedures in the future.
6. Follow the Dentist’s Instructions
After your dentist has reattached or replaced your crown, follow their instructions carefully. This may include avoiding certain foods, maintaining good oral hygiene, and scheduling follow-up appointments to ensure the crown remains in place.
7. Prevent Future Falls
To prevent future crown falls, take proper care of your teeth and maintain regular dental check-ups. Brush and floss regularly, and avoid habits that can damage your teeth, such as chewing on hard objects or using your teeth as tools.
In conclusion, losing a dental crown can be a concerning experience, but by following these steps, you can minimize the damage and ensure your tooth remains healthy. Remember to seek professional help as soon as possible and take care of your teeth to prevent future issues.
