If you’re flossing aggressively in the mirror and suddenly see your dental crown on the counter, you might be tempted to panic. Before you read this guide, take a few deep breaths, and calm yourself so you can think clearly.
Below is a step-by-step guide for what to do if you find yourself in this situation or one like it. Continue reading and follow the instructions to see your smile restored as soon as possible.
Step 1: Find Your Crown
The first step is to locate your crown. If it fell out while eating, there’s a chance you may have swallowed it. Otherwise, it may be stuck in a piece of food or have fallen on the ground. Once you locate the crown, clean it with warm salty water and store it in a safe place.
As a side note: If you recovered your crown after swallowing it, do not bring it to the dentist. It is lost.
Step 2: Call Your Dentist
Call your dentist after you recover the crown and let them know what happened. Give them as many details about the condition of your crown and the underlying tooth as possible.
A tooth with too much damage to have the crown replaced may constitute an emergency situation. However, if your tooth structure and the crown appear to be undamaged, you may be able to reattach it yourself temporarily.
Step 3: Examine Your Crown and Attempt Replacement (If Possible)
If your crown appears to be in good condition, your dentist may advise you to replace it on your own until your appointment. This can be done with a dab of toothpaste to create a fluoridated seal for the tooth.
Before you attempt to place the crown, be sure you know how it fits in your mouth. Bad crown placement can lead to injury in the mouth or a broken crown.
4. Go to Your Dentist
During the appointment, your dentist will give your teeth a thorough exam to ensure there’s no additional damage or concern for your crown or the surrounding teeth.
Afterward, if the structure of your tooth is good, they’ll replace the crown if you have it with you or take an impression to get a new one made. If the structure of the tooth is compromised, they may have to explore other treatment options.
Losing a crown can be a frightening experience, but if you take the time to perform these simple steps, you’ll be looking at your completed smile again in no time.
About the Practice
At Lake Nona Dental Group, their team of highly trained dental professionals works to provide high-end care with boutique charm. Their state-of-the-art facility offers the latest in dental technology for a variety of treatments. Whether you need preventive care, restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, sleep apnea treatment, or orthodontics, their team can provide. To schedule an appointment, call (407) 277-1779 or visit the website to explore other services.
