If you’ve ever had a root canal or a severely damaged tooth, your dentist probably topped it with a dental crown after repairing it. These are placed over weakened teeth to protect them from further harm and provide additional support.
That means if yours falls out, it’s important to contact your dentist right away. The vulnerable tooth underneath will be exposed until your dentist can replace your dental crown. It can be hard to know what to do in the heat of the moment, so keep reading for 5 easy steps you can take until you can be seen by your dentist.
Step #1: Take a Deep Breath
Though it might be your initial reaction, panicking isn’t going to do you any favors. A few deep breaths can lower your heart rate and calm you down enough to be able to think clearly. It’s not the first time this has happened to anyone, and your dentist is sure to have a solution.
Step #2: Contact Your Dentist
A dental crown falling out isn’t always considered an emergency, but it’s still important to restore it quickly because your pearly white is vulnerable without it. Your dentist won’t want to risk anything happening to it and may walk you through appropriate next steps over the phone while you wait for your appointment.
Step #3: Locate the Dental Crown
Try to find the dental crown if you can. If you didn’t see it fall but felt something happen, it could still be in your mouth so be careful not to swallow it. Once you have retrieved it, rinse it gently to remove dirt or debris.
Step #4: Replace It If Possible
If your tooth hasn’t been injured, you might be able to put the dental crown back in place temporarily. You’ll need to be careful not to hurt anything further so be gentle. If you have temporary crown cement you can use that for now, or simply place a dab of toothpaste on it to put it back where it belongs.
If you’re unable to, then keep it in a small bag or container and set it somewhere you’ll remember to take it to your appointment.
Step #5: Tend to Pain
Depending on what happened, you might experience some discomfort or swelling. Usually, it’s perfectly safe to take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or Tylenol. You might also try holding an ice pack or cold compress to that side of your face to numb it for quick relief.
When it’s time for your appointment, remember to take the dental crown with you. Soon your dentist will repair or replace it to restore your beautiful smile!
About the Practice
At Epic Family Dentistry of Carrollton, you and the entire family have access to a full range of dental services to meet all of your oral healthcare needs, including dental crowns. You’ll receive the most current treatments using state-of-the-art technology for fast, effective, and long-lasting results. Our compassionate, dedicated team is happy to help you if your dental crown has fallen out. Feel free to contact us through the website or by calling (972) 820-7294.