Losing a dental crown isn’t the end of the world, but it’s still an issue you should fix quickly. Your uncapped tooth will face more dangers and put your smile at risk otherwise. Of course, you’ll first need to answer a pressing question: What should you do if you lose a dental crown? Your South Portland dentist is here to ensure that happens. To that end, here are four steps you should take if you’ve lost a dental crown.
Find the Missing Crown
Your first move should be to find the now-missing crown. After all, getting this cap back would be good news for you and your smile.
Assuming it’s still viable, a dentist could reapply your detached crown. They’d just need to clean it and then refit the cap with dental cement. However, you’ll likely need to buy (and fit) a new one if the original crown is damaged or broken.
Call Your Local Dentist
Once you’ve found your dental crown, you should call your local dental practice. Your situation will become urgent if you don’t get professional help.
Indeed, a tooth that’s lost its crown is at greater risk. It’ll be worn down by chewing forces, bacteria, and similar factors as it goes without its cap. In other words, delaying a call to your dentist could result in a deeper cavity and other tooth damage. You should thus contact your practice straight away.
Re-Insert the Crown (if Possible)
Even if you want to see your dentist, you may have to wait a bit first. In that case, try re-inserting the dental crown into its prior spot.
You only need to do a few things to re-insert a lost crown. For starters, clean the cap’s insides with toothpaste to remove any clinging debris. You should then put a good dental adhesive on the crown to “glue” it to your tooth temporarily. As for where to find this material, just visit your local pharmacy or supermarket.
Don’t Mess with Your Tooth
Your crownless tooth will remain exposed while you wait for care. Given that fact, try to keep it safe before your treatment.
Several methods would protect your vulnerable tooth. For example, avoid chewing or eating with it before your dental visit; you’ll suffer more oral damage otherwise. Another idea is to not eat very hot or cold meals, as they’ll reach your tooth’s nerve and cause pain.
The steps above should help if you lose a dental crown. That said, feel free to consult your dental provider for more guidance.
About the Practice
Mind Your Mouth is based in South Portland, ME. Led by Drs. Parét and Filokyprou, our practice takes an integrative and holistic approach to dental care. We offer not only preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, but also wellness services such as yoga and nutritional counseling. In doing so, our team ensures your whole smile can thrive for a lifetime! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (207)-200-4106.