Imagine this: five minutes into the movie, you feel your teeth come down hard on an unpopped popcorn kernel. You immediately feel a surge of pain stemming from your tooth as you rush to the nearest mirror. When you open your mouth to look for the culprit, you notice your crown has dislodged from your tooth.
Although dental crowns typically last 10-15 years, their lifespan can be cut short when a scenario like this arises. If you find yourself in a similar situation, it is important to remain calm and follow the below tips to get the treatment you need for a lost dental crown.
#1. Inspect the Crown and Underlying Tooth
To treat the root of a lost, chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged dental crown, you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist. However, if the dental crown or exposed tooth has a sharp edge, if you are in significant pain, if the crown is dangling, or if you can’t remove it entirely, then an urgent appointment is a necessity. By thoroughly (and calmly!) inspecting the area, you can give your dental team the information they need to help you get the fast, effective treatment you need.
#2. Call Your Dentist
Once you have inspected the area, it is time to call your dentist. Once you have explained what happened, they can ask important follow-up questions and discuss the next best steps. Note: Even if the incident occurs outside of normal office hours, many dentists have specific instructions on what to do in a dental emergency on their voicemail.
#3. Avoid Certain Foods
While waiting for your appointment, it can be tempting to find comfort in some of your favorite snacks. However, sticky, chewy, hard foods can exacerbate the damage and lead to more pain and sensitivity. Therefore, it is a good idea to stay away from pretzels, nuts, steak, and candy. Also, it is a good idea to avoid beverages that are extremely hot or cold, like coffee.
#4. Practice Careful Oral Hygiene
If you and your dentist schedule an appointment for the next day or later in the week, it is important to keep the area clean by continuing your oral hygiene routine. To effectively do so without aggravating the area, gently brush your teeth while being mindful not to irritate the tissue or damaged tooth.
Losing or breaking a dental crown can be an anxiety-inducing experience. However, it is crucial to remember that by following the above tips you can ensure that you get the fast, effective treatment you need without causing further damage to the area.
About the Practice
At Texas Dentistry, each member of their team is united by their mission to provide integrity-based care and high-quality services. Whether you are coming in for a routine cleaning or emergency appointment, Dr. Anne Lindley, Dr. Thanh Tran, Dr. Yosuk Joseph Lee, and Dr. Victoria DeLeon use their extensive experience and impressive clinical skills to thoroughly treat each patient. If you lose a dental crown or need urgent treatment, visit their website or give them a call at 972-329-4200.