Losing your crown isn't a dental emergency, but you’ll still need to schedule an appointment with our office to get the crown replaced. While you wait to see our dentist, it's important to protect your tooth so it stays intact. Here’s what you'll need to do if you lose your .
Is a broken crown an emergency?
In general, no. The only time you'd need to call our emergency dentist for a broken crown is if the jagged edges are sharp. In this situation, you may need emergency dental care so you don't cut your tongue or cheeks by accident. Otherwise, you'll be able to wait a few days for your appointment.
READ MORE: Urgent vs. Non-Urgent Dental Emergencies >>
What should I do if a crown falls off?
Don't panic. If your dental crown falls off, the first thing you'll need to do is call our office. We'll be able to fit you in our schedule as soon as possible, which may be several days from now. Use over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce any pain or discomfort.
If your dental crown is intact, we recommend buying some dental cement from the drug store. Next, you'll want to clean the inside of your dental crown. Apply the dental cement to your actual tooth and place your dental crown on top. Hold the dental crown in place until the cement dries.
If your dental crown isn't intact, we still recommend keeping it to show our emergency dentist. Dr. Giera may be able to re-use your dental crown if it's in good condition. In the meantime, mold dental wax over your tooth so it's protected.
You'll want to use the same dental wax that's used to push errant wire braces back into place. Most drug stores sell dental wax, but feel free to ask a store associate if you’re having trouble finding it.
Can a crown be removed and reused?
Yes, but it depends on the condition of the dental crown. If your dental crown is intact, our dentist may be able to place it back on your tooth. Otherwise, our emergency dentist may need to make a new .
If you need a new dental crown, our dentist will need to take impressions of your teeth to send to the lab. She'll then place a temporary crown over your tooth. When you return for your second appointment, your permanent tooth crown will be ready.
Can I still eat if my crown falls out?
Yes, but you need to protect your tooth first. (See the section above about what you should do if your crown falls off.) Once you protect your tooth, you'll be able to eat.
That said, you'll need to stay away from foods that are hard to chew or sticky. That way, you won't pull off your crown again by accident or damage your tooth. It's also best if you chew on the side opposite of your dental crown to avoid aggravating the area or damaging the tooth further.
What happens if you swallow your crown?
Call a medical doctor immediately if you think you swallowed your crown by accident. There's a chance you could have instead aspirated it, meaning your dental crown would be in your lungs. A medical doctor will be able to take x-rays to see where your dental crown went. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
If you indeed swallowed your dental crown, it should pass in a few days. Dental crowns are small and smooth, which makes it easy for them to pass through the digestive tract.
Ready to Make an Appointment?
Dr. Kelly M. Giera is an emergency dentist in Troy, MI. To request an appointment for emergency dental care, call Mosaic Dental at (248) 528-2270.
This blog post has been updated.
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