You might’ve gotten a crown placed in the past to fix up severe decay, damage, or after a root canal. Regardless of the reason, you might’ve been enjoying your restored smile for a long while. However, there is a rare chance that it falls out before you need to get it replaced. While you may be confused about how to handle the situation, here’s what to do if a crown falls out.
Step #1: Grab Your Crown and Rinse It
When you notice your restoration is loose or completely out, then you need to remove it from your mouth. Give it a rinse under water to remove debris, and you can slightly brush it if anything is stuck to it. Place it in a clean, airtight container to bring to your dentist later. In some cases, your crown might have broken into pieces, so be careful removing them and try not to swallow any.
Once that’s handled, you need to clean your mouth as well. Swish water and use sensitive toothpaste to brush your smile. This will remove harmful bacteria that may be on the affected tooth.
Step #2: Give Your Dentist A Call
It’s important that you call your dentist right away. They will likely try to pencil you in that same day to reduce your risk of dental problems, but there’s a chance that they may not be able to. They’ll instead schedule you in the near future. Regardless, they will give you advice on how to care for your tooth in the meantime.
Step #3: Protect Your Exposed Tooth
Depending on your crown’s condition and what your dentist recommends, there are a couple of things you can try. You may be able to reattach the restoration yourself with temporary cement or toothpaste. These can help create a temporary bond or suction to keep it stable.
If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, then you can cover the exposed tooth with dental wax or sugarless gum. These are effective at protecting the structure, but they are temporary solutions. You will still need to visit your dentist for a permanent one.
Step #4: Get the Treatment You Need
As your appointment rolls around, you will get an oral assessment, and your dentist will take a look at your crown. If it’s still in great condition, then it may be bonded back on, and you’re all set. However, a replacement may be best if there’s any sort of damage; that way, you can ensure you get results that last for years to come.
About the Practice
At Justyna S Laska DDS, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Laska and Dr. David White. We are happy to help the Fort Worth community rebuild their smiles with effective solutions like crowns. With same-day appointments available, we can often see you right away during dental emergencies, like a fallen restoration. If this situation happened to you, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling our office at (817) 737-9555.