Dental crowns are a popular solution that can be used in various capacities. For example, they can cover damaged teeth to restore their appearance and functionality, protect teeth that underwent a root canal, anchor a dental bridge, or top a dental implant to close the spaces in your smile.
Although these tooth-shaped caps are typically quite durable, they’re not invincible. Continue reading to learn about 4 steps to take to get proper emergency dental care if your crown is lost or dislodged!
Step #1: Find the Lost Dental Crown
If you’ve been injured or bit into something too hard or sticky and your restoration was pushed or yanked out of place, try to do your best to find it. Depending on its condition, there’s a chance your dentist might be able to recement it in place or repurpose it. Keep in mind that it could still be in your mouth, and you might accidentally swallow it if you’re not careful.
Step #2: Clean Your Mouth and Restoration
Any force strong enough to destabilize or dislodge your dental crown has the capacity to cause pain. Furthermore, depending on what happened, you might have blood, dirt, or other debris in your mouth. To keep potentially harmful bacteria at bay, you should gently rinse with salt water to naturally disinfect unwanted germs and clear away any unwanted materials. This can help you prevent a potential infection until your dentist can repair your restoration.
It also draws out excess fluid from your potentially tender teeth and gums to provide some much-needed comfort if you’re hurting.
Step #3: Store it Carefully
It’s a good idea to store your dental crown somewhere safe to avoid causing additional harm while waiting to see your dentist. If the underlying tooth doesn’t have jagged edges, you might be able to rinse off the tooth-shaped covering and put it back in its place. To do so, carefully place a small amount of dental cement, toothpaste, or sugar-free gum and press it over your enamel gently.
Otherwise, place it safely in a baggy or container and put it somewhere you will remember to take with you when you leave for your appointment.
Step #4: Contact Your Dentist
If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to call your dentist! Many providers reserve time for same-day visits for emergency situations, so that if you’ve been injured and lost a restoration, you don’t have to wait for relief.
When you arrive, your dentist will examine your mouth to determine whether they can repair your existing dental crown or replace it with a new one!
About the Practice
At Langworthy Family Dentistry, people of all ages benefit from two dentists eager to help families in Fuquay-Varina improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. Dr. Langworthy and Dr. Harn collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs at one convenient location, including same-day emergency visits. They also offer nitrous oxide sedation to reduce aches and anxiety if you’ve suffered an injury that dislodged a dental crown. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (919) 762-6887.