Find out the essential steps to take if your dental crown falls out or gets damaged
Dental crowns are an important treatment you can get at a Calgary dental clinic. These coverings fit over your tooth to restore its integrity after damage. A crown is an artificial hollow tooth-shaped cap bonded to the remaining enamel. They can be made from various materials including porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, metal, composite resin, or ceramic. Your dentist will determine which option is the right choice for your situation. Dental crowns seamlessly blend in with your natural teeth providing an aesthetically pleasing look and a fully functioning bite.
Taking Care of Your Dental Crown
Just like your regular teeth, your crown needs to be taken care of. Regular cleaning will help it last longer. Most crowns can last 10+ years with proper care.
- Brush with Soft Bristles – A soft-bristled toothbrush is essential for cleaning your crown. Treat it like your natural teeth to get rid of plaque and tartar. Avoid damaging the appliance by gently brushing and flossing around the adjacent teeth.
- Avoid Sticky Situations – Eating sticky foods can cause bacteria to form in your mouth. While the crown is made from artificial material, there is still a risk of decay forming around it or underneath the cap.
- Stop Crunching Hard Foods – Crunchy foods might not be a good idea because it can create pressure that may dislodge your dental crown unexpectedly.
- Regular Dental Visits – Visiting your dentist at regular intervals helps maintain your crown and allows your dentist to check the stability of the cap. They will be able to recognize any potential issues by using intraoral cameras, x-rays and other special dental tools.
Things Happen…
As diligent as you may be at taking care of your oral health and your dental crown, situations happen. Time and regular daily pressure from chewing can cause a breakdown of your crown. Loosening of the dental cement can occur which can lead to movement or a completely dislodged crown.
In these situations, treatment should be attended to quickly but it does not require an emergency dental appointment. If you are experiencing pain, then an emergency dental visit is the solution.
…But What Happens When Your Dental Crown Breaks, Chips, or Falls Out?
It is important to stay calm in any type of dental mishap. Here are some steps you can follow if something happens to your crown.
- Step 1: Inspect the Crown – Take a close look at your crown so you can let your dentist know where the damage is. During your appointment, your dentist will determine if it can be re-attached or if you need a new crown.
- Step 2: Call Your Calgary Dental Clinic – Your dentist will schedule an appointment for you as soon as they are able.
- Step 3: Safety First – If your crown falls out, place it in a safe container where it can stay clean. This ensures nothing further happens to it on your way to the dentist. If your crown is damaged, but still affixed inside your mouth then try to avoid using this part of your mouth to prevent additional damage. It may require some temporary dental cement to help protect the tooth for a short period.
These things can help you before you can get in to see a dentist.
What to Do If Your Dental Crown is Damaged or Fallen Out and is Causing You Pain
When experiencing pain, it is important to visit an emergency dentist quickly. Before you get to the dental office you can:
- Put slight pressure with a warm cloth on the exterior area of your mouth.
- Rinse your mouth with salt water for 30 seconds.
- Consume some ginger, turmeric, or clove, being careful not to get anything stuck near the crown.
Some of these things may help ease the pain until you can have your dental emergency attended to.
Why Get Dental Crowns in Calgary?
Glenbrook Dental is your Calgary dental clinic that offers multiple services for your entire family. We will properly fit your dental crown and provide all the follow-up care needed. You may have a large chip or severely decayed tooth where a regular filling is not an option. You may even need a dental crown if your natural tooth cannot provide enough support after a root canal. Dental crowns can also be used to anchor a dental bridge, balance an uneven bite, or cover a stained tooth. There are many ways dental crowns help save your smile.