If you’ve ever damaged a tooth, you likely needed a dental crown to repair it. As the years go on, regular use of your restoration, like chewing your favorite candies or enjoying a juicy steak, can gradually wear-down your restoration and the cement that holds it in place. Eventually, it will come loose or fall off altogether, and it’s a good idea to be well-prepared for when that happens! Read on to learn the four steps you should take if you lost a dental crown.
Step 1: Try to Locate Your Crown
Although you may write off your existing crown as a lost cause, that might not be the case! You should try to locate your lost crown and bring it to your appointment with you. In some cases, like if the restoration isn’t damaged, your dentist may be able to simply cement it back atop your tooth. Locating the crown and bringing it to your visit could help save you a lot of money if this is the case!
Step 2: Carefully Clean Your Exposed Tooth & Restoration
Carefully clean the inside and outside of the crown, gently rinsing it with warm water to remove debris and any loose cement that may still be attached to it. You’ll also want to gently rinse your mouth with lukewarm saltwater to cleanse the exposed tooth. You may experience some sensitivity. It’s a good idea to avoid eating or using the tooth in any way until you’re able to get to your emergency dentist.
Step 3: Call Your Emergency Dentist
Many emergency dentists in Irving offer same-day exams if their schedules can accommodate it, so you should try to call them as soon as possible. The staff at the practice will also be able to provide you with first aid guidance to prevent any additional harm from coming to your affected tooth.
Step 4: Receive an Examination & Treatment
When you arrive at your dentist’s office, they will take X-rays of your tooth to make sure no decay developed beneath the crown, and complete a thorough visual examination. They will also examine your dental crown to determine if it’s salvageable. Based on your dentist’s findings, they will discuss their treatment recommendations with you, which would likely include either replacing the restoration, re-cementing it, or in some cases, root canal treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Rafiq Hirji has over a decade of experience, as well as extensive advanced training in procedures such as dental sedation. He uses high-quality, natural-looking materials to craft dental crowns from, yielding durable and beautiful results. In emergency situations, he does his best to fit patients in the same day that they call, ensuring timely pain- and stress-relief! For questions, visit our website or call 972-546-4114.