Dental crowns are designed to be durable and long-lasting, but sometimes life throws a curveball our way, and your dental crown might unexpectedly come loose or even fall out! Whether it happens while eating, brushing your teeth, playing a sport, or seemingly out of nowhere, it can be a startling experience. That said, if you find yourself holding your crown instead of wearing it like you’re supposed to, here’s how your dentist can help!
What Should I Do If My Dental Crown Falls Out?
If your crown falls out, don’t panic! Ideally, you should locate it and store it in a clean container. If it’s still intact, it might be possible for your dentist to reattach it. You should then give your dentist a call and let them know what happened, and they’ll tell you when you need to come in. In the meantime, it’s crucial to protect the exposed tooth; don’t chew on that side of your mouth and do your best to keep the area clean by gently brushing.
In some cases, you may be able to temporarily re-attach a crown in good condition yourself, by using a tiny dab of toothpaste or temporary dental cement to create a light suction. Just keep in mind that this is only a short-term solution. Once you’ve made it to your dentist’s office, they’ll be able to inspect your mouth, the crown (or its remnants), and determine whether the same crown can be used or if a new one needs to be created. This process is more or less the same as when you received your first crown; the new one will be an identical and functional duplicate.
Tips for Keeping Your Crown in Great Shape
Once your crown has been addressed, it falls on you to ensure that it’s kept in top condition. Consider these helpful tips:
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing every day. Pay attention to the base of your crown to prevent decay from forming underneath.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice cubes, hard candy, or pen caps, as this habit can crack or loosen your crown.
- Be very careful when eating particularly chewy or sticky foods; for this reason, it’s best to avoid items like caramel and taffy.
- Don’t skip your routine dental checkups; not only are these visits crucial for maintaining your dental health, but they also allow your dentist to examine your crown regularly.
As soon as you notice there’s something off with your crown, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact your dentist – catching the problem before it causes the crown to fall out is ideal! Rest assured, though, if yours does fall out, having it replaced is a very straightforward matter!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Eduart Shkurti, the talented team at ED Family Dental has proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in Astoria and the surrounding area for several years. They offer a wide variety of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options including dental crowns – meaning if you’ve lost your crown, you’ll be in capable hands at their office. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today for assistance. Telephone: (646) 713-0132.