Did you accidentally get hit in the mouth while out and about in Hendricks County, and it caused your dental crown to fall out? Or, maybe, you bit down hard on something, causing your crown to loosen? Whatever has happened, having a loose crown or one that’s fallen out can be an unsettling feeling. It can also be painful since your exposed tooth will be sensitive to hot and cold foods, chewing, and even air. Therefore, you need to know exactly what you should do if you’re crown falls out.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A crown is a fixed dental device that covers the top of a damaged tooth. Crowns are often made of porcelain or ceramic to match the color of your natural teeth. However, they also may be made of acrylic or gold and other metal alloys. A dental crown is cemented onto an existing tooth or a dental implant. Generally, crowns can only be removed by a dentist.
Why Do Crowns Fall Out?
Your dental crown could fall out due to problems with the crown or the underlying tooth. Here are some common causes for crown failure:
- Trauma to the tooth or jaw
- Heavy tooth grinding
- Decay to the underlying tooth
- Dental cement deterioration over time
What Do I Do if My Dental Crown Falls Out?
Here are some things you can do if your crown falls out:
- Find the Crown. If your crown popped off while you were eating, brushing your teeth, or flossing, try to find it if you can. Dr. Jon Erickson at Danville Family Dentistry may be able to reattach it if there are no issues with the crown. If you swallowed the dental crown, don’t worry. The crown will pass out of your system without a problem.
- Gently, Clean the Inside and Outside of the Crown and Your Exposed Tooth, If Possible. Put the crown in a safe place until you can see Dr. Erickson.
- Make an Appointment at Danville Family Dentistry as Soon as Possible. Call our Hendricks County office at 317-745-4400. Your exposed tooth isn’t as strong as your crown. It could become damaged since the crown isn’t there to protect it. Or, your remaining tooth could experience more decay. If you wait too long to get your crown fixed, your teeth may start to move, then your crown will no longer fit. During your office visit, Dr. Erickson will refit your dental crown with either an existing or a new one.
- If You Can’t Get into the Office Immediately and Your Tooth Is Hurting, You Can Take the Following Measures. Take over-the-counter pain medication. Apply a little clove oil or a topical dental pain reliever on the painful area with a cotton swab. You can find clove oil at your pharmacy or with the other spices in a grocery store. If you have the crown, you may be able to slip it back over the tooth to protect it. Just make sure to clean the crown first. Then coat the inside of the crown with dental cement (found in the dental section of your pharmacy) or denture adhesive before putting it back in place. Do not use super glue or other household glues on your crown. If the crown is on your tooth correctly, it will feel right when you bite down. This is only a temporary measure though. You will still need to see Dr. Erickson at our Hendricks County office.
If you have any other questions about your dental crowns, please contact us at Danville Family Dentistry. We’ll be happy to answer your questions.
Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
(317) 745-4400
