The first thing to do if your crown falls out is to find the crown, rinse it gently, and call your dentist. A displaced crown can cause severe pain and increase tooth sensitivity. It is, therefore, essential to get emergency dental care at Dentakay.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth caps preventing a tooth from decaying. Dentists also use crowns to hold a bridge in place or to cover the tooth after a root canal treatment. Although crowns protect your teeth, they can fall out without proper care, exposing the underlying tooth.
Why Do Crowns Fall Out?
Dental crowns fall out when they become loose. And sometimes you may not realize that your crown is loose till it falls out. Tooth decay is the primary culprit when it comes to crowns becoming loose. Decay creeps into the crown as the dental cement washes away or gets worn. And with time, the crown becomes loose.
Your crown may also become loose if it is not a proper fit or there is not enough cement holding it in place. Other reasons for loose crowns include teeth grinding, weak teeth, and always eating sticky foods.
What To Do If My Crown Fell Out?
● Contact your dentist
A dislodged crown is a dental emergency. The underlying tooth is unprotected and weak, increasing sensitivity and pain. Therefore, immediately after your crown falls off, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment. And if the crown falls off on the weekend or at night, your dentist will give you instructions on protecting the crown pending your appointment. learn more
● Rinse the crown
After recovering the crown from your mouth, inspect it. If there is no tooth in the crown, you should be able to reattach the crown. Gently rinse the crown with warm water and keep it in a plastic bag. When going to see the dentist, hold the crown along for reattachment.
● Protect your tooth
If you cannot get emergency care when your crown falls off, your underlying tooth may be tender and sore. You can purchase temporary dental cement from a drug store to protect the tooth. The cement creates a protective coating over the tooth; your dentist can easily remove it during your appointment.
An alternative to dental cement is dental wax. You can also purchase dental wax from the drugstore. Place a lump of wax over the affected tooth for temporary protection till you see the dentist.
● Visit the dentist
When you eventually see your dentist, they will examine if your crown needs reattachment or replacement. If the tooth or crown is damaged, you will need to get a replacement.
What Should You Not Do If Your Crown Fell Out?
Suppose your crown falls off while eating, do not swallow. Instead, find and keep it. Pending when you fix the dislodged crown, avoid eating sticky, hard, or chewy foods. Additionally, refrain from eating on the mouth’s affected side. And when brushing, do so gently.
How To Prevent Your Crown From Falling Out?
If the cement holding the crown is weak or the crown is an improper fit, you can’t prevent it from falling out. But in other cases, some proactive measures prevent the crown from falling out.
These proactive measures include brushing and flossing regularly, using a wide toothbrush to remove plaque, and avoiding sticky or chewy foods. In addition, avoid chewing ice and get a mouthguard to protect your teeth if your grind your teeth at night.
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
Dental crowns are not a permanent solution. Instead, they are a long-term solution lasting between 5 and 15 years, depending on how well you maintain them.
You can prolong the life of your dental crown by taking care of your oral health, not grinding your teeth, and not chewing on ice. Furthermore, when you visit your dentist regularly, the dentist can notice and treat problems with your dental crowns before they require more extensive treatment.
What Are Alternatives To Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are a necessary treatment if you have a weak tooth or have had previous dental restorations. But there are other alternatives to dental crowns. Nevertheless, discuss it with your dentist to know the best one for you.
Onlays – dental Onlays are cheaper and more definitive than crowns. During an onlay procedure, your dentist will remove the damaged part of your tooth and cover it with custom- made filling from porcelain, gold, or silver. Furthermore, dentists place onlays on the top surface of a natural tooth structure.
Inlays – dentists use inlays when the upper part of your tooth is not decayed. During the procedure, your dentist will cover the middle-upper part of your tooth with custom-made fillings or composite materials.
Composite fillings – fillings are a short-term solution to the damaged tooth. Because they are made from resin material, they are a temporary treatment.
Tooth extraction – this is the last resort for damaged teeth. However, the procedure is invasive,
and if you don’t get replacement teeth, it can cause long-term damage to your jawbone.
How To Avoid A Dental Crown?
Crowns are a restorative dental treatment. They are expensive and minimally invasive. You can avoid getting a dental crown by avoiding hard or sticky foods because they can get stuck in your teeth. In addition, avoid clenching your teeth or get a customized nightguard to help.
During sports, use a mouthguard to prevent mouth injuries. Furthermore, visiting your dentist regularly can help detect dental issues before they become full-blown. Your oral hygiene is also essential in ensuring you never get a dental crown. Use fluoride toothpaste to frequently brush and floss your teeth.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are a suitable treatment for damaged teeth. However, sometimes the crown can fall off, exposing the underlying teeth. Make an immediate appointment with your dentist if you have a displaced crown.