Your dentist may prescribe a dental crown if you have a broken or chipped tooth. Dental crowns are dental caps that are made specifically for the treatment of a tooth that is damaged. Dental crowns are quite similar to dental veneers; the difference is that veneers cover only parts of the tooth, like the front part, whereas dental crowns do not cover parts of a tooth but all of it. Dental crowns are made from different materials and are designed to support weak teeth and remain strong and intact for years.
Although dental crowns are made from strong, durable materials, they can still come loose, and in some cases, fall out completely before replacement. If you have had a crown fallen out experience or it has become very loose, you should be prepared to handle the situation when the time arises.
How to handle a dislodged crown
There are several scenarios where a person’s dental crown can fall out. One example is when you take a bite out of your food, only for you to feel the crown itself in your mouth. This can only mean that your crown has been dislodged. The first and best thing to do would be to contact an emergency dentist. While this is a great idea, there is still something you can do while you wait to see the dentist.
Before you meet the dentist, you can hold on to the crown and not lose it. Presenting the dislodged crown will increase the chances of it being cleaned and fitted back into your mouth. If the crown is damaged as well as dislodged, you may have to get a new one. When speaking to your dentist, find out if you can do anything while you wait for the appointment.
Even before your dental appointment, some dentists may suggest reinserting the crown in its spot. To do this, you would have to clean the inside of the crown using toothpaste. Next, you proceed with using a dental adhesive to stick the crown back in its spot. You can use a piece of sugar-free gum or even toothpaste as a substitute for dental adhesive. Additionally, you can also use temporary dental cement that you can get at a pharmacy or drug store.
While you wait for your crown to either be replaced or until you get a new one, you must be careful when it comes to chewing with that spot. Do not chew with the crown when eating, and only stick to foods that are soft or in liquid form.
Things to avoid when your dental crown is dislodged
One important thing to note when your crown is dislodged is that you must not swallow it. Always remove it from your mouth and hold on to it. Also, take note of the following
- Must not be too hard when brushing your teeth
- Should not eat foods that are hard, sticky or foods that need too much chewing
- Do not chew foods on the side of the mouth that is affected
What to do if a temporary crown falls out
Before your dental crown is installed, the dentist usually installs a temporary crown while the permanent crown is still under production. The temporary crown is there to fill in the space while you wait for the permanent one. You might have to wear the temporary crown for a couple of weeks until the permanent crown is ready.
Temporary crowns are installed with temporary dental cement, and as such, they are not as secure as permanent crowns. Because of this, you will have to be very careful and avoid eating or chewing hard or sticky foods. Despite the care that comes with the temporary crown, it can still be dislodged in certain situations. If your temporary crown comes off, follow the same instructions as you would if your permanent crown falls off, and also call your dentist for further instructions.
Taking care of your teeth after the dental crown falls out
When a dental crown falls off, the site of the crown and the dental crown itself will have to be inspected by the dentist. The crown may either be installed back into the mouth or a new one installed in its place. These depend on the state of the mouth after the crown has fallen out and the state of the fallen crown as well.
Some researchers have suggested that even a fractured tooth can get an existing dental crown. However, before the crown is fitted, a little work will have to be carried out on the tooth. On the other hand, if the tooth is perfect, it may require a new crown for a good fit. If your tooth is damaged and requires a new crown, the tooth may have to be filled to build it up and make it perfect for the crown. Afterwards, a temporary crown will be installed while the permanent crown is made ready.
If you do not want to have a temporary crown while waiting for a permanent one, your dentist can offer you same-day crowns that are made from ceramic materials which are very strong. This means you will not have to get temporary crowns or permanent ones.
Reasons why dental crowns come loose
It is often impossible to tell that your dental crowns have become loose until they fall out. Why does this happen? There are a number of reasons why, and they are mostly related to the fitting of the dental crown.
Take a look at this scenario; A person develops tooth decay in the remaining part of the tooth under the crown. When bacteria sets in, the decay sets in, and it can affect the dental crown’s hold and fit. As a result, the crown can become loose and may become prone to dislodging at the slightest provocation. Other reasons why dental crowns can become loose include the following
- The dental crown is not properly fitted
- The tooth is seriously weakened and is not strong enough to support the crown
- There is not enough tooth left to hold the crown in place
- You constantly grind your teeth
- There is not enough cement holding the crown in place
- The crown is pulled out of place by sticky foods
Note that a crown can be dislodged partially, in the sense that it may be hanging to the tooth by a part. In such a case, you can remove the crown completely yourself.
Is it possible to prevent the crown from falling out?
While you cannot prevent your dental crown from falling out if it was not properly fitted or if the cement used has become weak, you can still protect it and reduce its chances of falling out beforehand. Taking the following steps will reduce the chances of your crown falling out
- Brush twice daily
- Floss regularly
- Must avoid chewing ice
- Should avoid chewing sticky or hard foods
- Avoid grinding your teeth
- Use interdental brushes in hard to reach areas
When you lose a dental crown, the first thing to do is to call a dentist for help and advice. You will be told what to do while you wait for the dental appointment. Book emergency dentist London today if you have issues with your dental crown or wish to know more about dental crowns. Get in touch with us through calls or email.
