Crunch! You realize something is wrong the moment you bite down. Your crown has come out. While you aren’t exactly in pain, you know you need that restoration back in its spot. Without a crown to protect it, your tooth is vulnerable to infection or additional structural damage. It’s important to replace your dental crown in Burien soon! What should you do in this scenario? Here are some steps you can take to get your smile back on track.
Call Your Dentist Right Away
Although the situation may not seem as urgent as a knocked-out tooth, losing a dental crown is still considered a dental emergency, and it needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Contact your dentist immediately not only to schedule an appointment but also get their professional advice for handling your unique situation until you arrive for your visit. Their guidance can be invaluable and help you know how to move forward.
Locate and Inspect the Crown
Try your best not to swallow the crown. If you do on accident or you simply can’t find it, you can put some dental wax or sugar-free gum over the top of your exposed tooth, especially if there are jagged or sharp edges, to protect it temporarily from bacteria. If, however, you are able to find the crown, take a close look at it. Has it sustained damage? Is there any debris on it? Although you aren’t a trained professional, you may be able to see whether the crown is still temporarily viable.
Clean the Crown
Once you have the crown, gently rinse it off with warm water. Then, carefully clean it and your mouth with toothpaste. Keep in mind that the inside of your tooth is more delicate and sensitive, and you don’t want to cause additional damage.
Reattach the Crown
When a crown comes out, it can be tempting to try a DIY solution. Before you reposition the crown, make sure it is oriented correctly so that you don’t experience pain or damage the tissue in the tooth. Then, avoid utilizing superglue or first-aid liquid bandage to reseat the crown. You may use either temporary dental cement or a dab of toothpaste to hold the crown in place until you get to your dentist’s office. However, remember that these fixes do not replace the need to seek professional help. Your crown may still need to be replaced with a new one or more permanently affixed by a trusted dentist in Burien.
Ultimately, as soon as you get your dentist’s office, they can take over and treat the issue, whether it’s reattaching the crown or giving you a new one. When you leave, you can enjoy a fully functional, customized crown that can last for many years to come.
About the Author
As your friendly neighborhood dentist, Dr. David Thomas takes pride in offering individuals and families the dental healthcare they need to keep smiling, even in emergency situations. After he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with his dental degree, he completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at Maricopa Institute of Health Services Hospital in Phoenix, AZ. If you have a dental emergency, you can contact Dr. Thomas at Seahurst Park Dentistry by clicking here.
