Dental crowns are the standard way to protect damaged teeth and restore their function, so you can continue to eat, speak, and smile normally. Today, they’re usually made from resilient, tooth-colored ceramic that can be customized to match your natural enamel for beautiful, seamless results.
These restorations can last anywhere from 5 to 15+ years if cared for properly, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. If they wear down or if the underlying tooth develops disease or decay, they could fall out. Continue reading to learn about 4 steps to take to get emergency help if yours has been dislodged.
Step #1: Find Your Restoration
There’s a chance your dentist can repurpose your dental crown or cement it back in place, depending on what happened and its current condition. Try to find your restoration and any pieces that may have fallen off, taking care not to swallow any that might still be in your mouth.
Then, you can gently rinse the repair with water and store it in a safe container to bring with you to your dental appointment. If the underlying tooth is in good shape and your crown is in one piece, you might try cementing it back in place with a small bit of temporary dental cement or wax.
Step #2: Rinse Your Mouth
Athletes and others who participate in team sports and other close-contact activities are prone to sustaining injuries that can knock out a tooth or crown. If you’ve taken a blow to the face or have fallen down and hurt yourself, you should also rinse your mouth out to remove any dirt, debris, or blood that can contribute to a potential infection.
Step #3: Address Discomfort
Even if you didn’t sustain a painful injury, your dental crown was covering a tooth that might feel sore or sensitive once it’s exposed. You can try placing a cold compress against the tender side of your face to help reduce associated aches or inflammation, depending on your circumstances.
It’s also often safe to take the recommended dosage of over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to ease discomfort until you arrive at your dentist’s office.
Step #4: Contact Your Dentist
If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to contact your dentist for an appointment. Many providers reserve time for urgent situations and can offer same-day visits if you’ve had a dental emergency, such as a dislodged restoration, so you don’t have to wait long to be seen. Your dental team might also provide additional care instructions over the phone for you to follow in the meantime, such as not biting or chewing with the injured tooth.
When you arrive at the scheduled time, your provider will examine your condition to determine an appropriate treatment plan, such as repairing or replacing your dental crown!
About the Practice
Patients at Rauchberg Dental Group benefit from general dentists and specialists who are passionate about helping families in Parsippany build beautiful, healthy smiles. They collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu under one roof, including same-day emergency visits and providing dental crowns, to meet your unique needs. Then, they use state-of-the-art technology to deliver more comfortable and accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (973) 718-9887.