Dental crowns or caps are prostheses that protect the teeth they cover from damage and decay. Although dentists cement permanent and temporary crowns to teeth to prevent them from moving, problems sometimes cause them to loosen. Knowing what to do if a crown falls off is the best way to maintain your smile.
If your dental crown loosens or breaks, scheduling a trip to your family dentist in New Orleans may be your initial reaction. Our team at Dental Arts of New Orleans knows how troubling a lost cap can be. Review our guide below to learn the precise steps to take if a crown breaks off.
Know What Steps To Take If You Lose a Dental Crown
Dental crowns can fall off for several reasons, including:
- Decay that eats away at the tooth structure holding the crown
- Biting and chewing on tough, sticky foods
- Not having a well-fitting crown
- Trauma from contact sports or an accident
- Teeth grinding, which can weaken the damaged tooth and its crown
Regardless of why your crown loosens, its underlying tooth becomes vulnerable to additional damage. Losing the prosthesis exposes the most sensitive parts of a tooth, such as its nerves, so it’s best to act quickly to ensure you don’t sustain additional damage.
If you lose a dental crown, don’t panic. Knowing what to do if a crown falls off will help prevent additional complications with your teeth. Follow these steps if you ever find yourself in this situation.
Locate the Crown and Inspect It
Did you swallow your crown, or is it moving around your mouth? If you still have access to the crown, remove it from your mouth and examine it carefully to assess the damage.
Sometimes, parts of a tooth will stick to the underside of a broken crown. If that’s your case, your dentist will likely need to make another prosthesis. If no remnants of your tooth are present and the crown is intact, your dentist may be able to re-cement it.
Make an Emergency Dentist Appointment
Once you locate your crown and assess the situation, contact your dentist to schedule an emergency appointment. Ask for a same-day visit. If one isn’t available, book the next available slot.
If you still have the crown, wash it with mild soap and water. Store it in a secure, clean place, like a new plastic bag. You’ll need to bring it to your appointment in case the dentist can re-cement it.
Continue Practicing Good Oral Hygiene
Don’t neglect your oral hygiene while waiting to see the dentist. Food particles collecting around a damaged tooth will cause irritation. Brush your teeth carefully, and rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution to keep everything clean.
Protect Your Affected Tooth
Knowing what to do if a crown falls off includes protecting your tooth and the surrounding tissues using temporary dental cement, gauze, or wax. Don’t chew food on the affected side of your mouth.
Be Careful of the Foods You Eat
Although you can still eat without your dental crown, not all foods are acceptable. It’s best to avoid chewy, crunchy, hard, or sticky foods until your dentist replaces the crown because they can damage the tooth or dislodge temporary protective coverings.
It is also ideal to avoid foods and drinks that are too cold or hot. Drastic temperatures can trigger nerve pain from heightened tooth sensitivity.
Reach Out to Our Dental Experts for Help With Your Crowns
Here at Dental Arts of New Orleans, we specialize in orthodontics, family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. Our experienced, board-certified dental professionals routinely practice the dental crown procedure to restore our patients’ smiles. While losing a crown isn’t an everyday occurrence at our practice, we know exactly what to do if one falls off. Whether you need a permanent crown to protect a weakened tooth structure or to address tooth decay, we can help. Contact Dental Arts of New Orleans today at (504) 394-5330 to book an appointment.
