Dental crowns act as protective caps covering the entire visible portion of a tooth. They are primarily employed when a tooth is extensively damaged or decayed beyond the scope of a dental filling. Additionally, dental crowns are utilized to enhance the appearance of a tooth post-root canal treatment or to address significant cosmetic imperfections. While these restorations typically endure for approximately 15 years, they are not immune to damage or loss. If you experience a lost dental crown, adhere to these three steps to manage the situation until your dentist can address it.
Step #1: Contact Your Dentist
In the event that one of your dental crowns dislodges, your initial step should be reaching out to your dentist. Provide a detailed explanation of the incident, and they will assist you in scheduling an appointment to address the lost dental crown. Furthermore, they will guide you on the next steps and offer suggestions to keep you comfortable while awaiting your appointment.
Step #2: Locate the Crown
Search for the dislodged crown and carefully store it in a plastic sandwich bag for safekeeping. Remember to bring it with you to your appointment. Your dentist may be able to reattach the crown. If it cannot be found or reused, they will proceed to create a new one.
Step #3: Inspect Your Mouth
Inspect the area where the crown was to check for any remaining pieces. Also, assess whether the underlying tooth is broken, if there are sharp edges, or if you are experiencing significant pain. Providing this information will help your dentist assess whether your situation requires emergency treatment.
Step #4: Mitigate Discomfort and Prevent Damage
In addition to the advice provided by your dentist during your phone call on preventing further damage to the tooth and ensuring comfort until your appointment, consider the following ways to enhance your situation in the interim:
- Use dental wax – Apply dental wax to shield your cheeks or tongue from damage if there are sharp edges in the area where the crown should be.
- Chew carefully –Avoid eating until the tooth is repaired to prevent increased sensitivity and to prevent food debris from getting lodged in the area. If you must eat before your dentist’s appointment, do so on the opposite side of your mouth and chew cautiously.
- Replace your crown –Reinstall the crown only if directed by your dentist. Otherwise, store it in a clean, dry container and bring it to your appointment.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever – Doing this can reduce pain or sensitivity. Applying an ice pack to the affected area for 10-minute intervals can also help alleviate swelling.
- Rinse – Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and use the solution to rinse your mouth. This can help prevent infection and relieve pain.
Fortunately, occurrences of lost dental crowns are rare. If you find yourself in this situation, follow the outlined steps to manage the situation. Your dentist will promptly schedule a repair, ensuring your smile is swiftly restored!
About the Practice
Columbus Dental Arts takes great pride in delivering personalized dental care tailored to the needs of each patient, meticulously assessing any damage and carefully selecting the optimal solution to restore the tooth, ensuring the rejuvenation of your health and the completeness of your smile. If you are prepared to schedule an appointment or wish to explore further information regarding dental crowns, please visit the Columbus Dental Arts website or reach out to their office at (609) 324-9500.