If you take great care of your dental crown, then odds are it will stay in great shape for many years to come. However, no dental restoration is impervious to damage, and there are times when dental crowns can come loose and fall off. Should that happen to you, there’s no reason to panic. Your best bet is to remain calm and follow these tips.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that can preserve a natural tooth that has been significantly damaged or decayed.[1] The crown is a prosthetic cap made of porcelain, ceramic, metals, or resin, which is designed to look and feel just like a natural tooth. Crowns are also used as part of other dental procedures, such as dental bridges and root canal treatment. [2]
How to Tell if Your Dental Crown Is Loose
You won’t necessarily feel a crown coming off if it’s loose, but there are a few different signs to look out for that may indicate the restoration needs attention, including the following:
- Pain when chewing on it
- Increased sensitivity to hot or cold
- Difficulty biting down
- Food getting stuck around the gums
- Discomfort in the tooth the crown is covering
- Visible damage or mobility to the crown
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, you should reach out to your dentist as soon as possible.
What to Do When Your Dental Crown Falls Out
While losing your dental crown may not necessarily constitute a serious dental emergency, it is something you want to act quickly on. The experience can be unpleasant, but try to remember you’re not in any imminent danger, and remaining calm will help you solve the problem quickly.
You’ll first need to secure the crown in a safe place. Then, you will want to contact your dentist for further instructions. You may be able to go into their office for immediate dental care.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
When you see your dentist about a dental crown that fell off, the first thing they’ll do is take a look at the natural tooth to determine whether any structural changes occurred that may have caused the issue. If the tooth is fine, the crown can potentially be placed back on the tooth then. If there are any issues with the natural tooth, it may require other treatments.
How to Avoid Losing a Dental Crown
To prevent issues with your dental crown, make sure to maintain a good oral hygiene routine and be mindful of what you eat. If you brush and floss your teeth thoroughly twice a day and see your dentist twice a year for a routine exam and cleaning, your crown should stay in great shape for years to come. You should also avoid chewing hard objects, like ice or pen caps.
Are You Having Issues with a Dental Crown?
If you’re experiencing issues with a dental crown, the skilled team at Empire Dental Care provides general and cosmetic family dentistry with a gentle touch. We offer flexible scheduling and a range of financing options for families in the Rochester, NY, area. Contact Empire Dental Care today to schedule an appointment. Call us at 585-671-1650.
Sources:
[1] https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/bridges-and-crowns/different-types-of-dental-crowns
[2] https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(21)00616-4/fulltext
