Crowns aren’t made to be indestructible, which is why it’s important to be conscious about what you eat and your oral habits. However, your emergency dentist understands that accidents happen, which is why they’ll provide you with immediate first-aid guidance if your dental crown gets damaged. It the moment, it’s important to act quickly and effectively to reduce any further damage to your mouth. Read on to learn what you can do next to minimize any potential risks.
Contact Your Emergency Dentist Right Away
Although broken or damaged crowns aren’t the most urgent situation, it’s vital to fix the problem before it causes more issues to arise. That’s why you should contact your emergency dentist as soon as it happens. Without timely intervention, your unprotected tooth will be left vulnerable to harmful oral bacteria. They dentist will do their best to fit you in their schedule the same day, before you begin to experience intense sensitivity or any pain.
Try to Reapply The Crown
If you were able to retrieve your crown, rinse it with water before you try to put it back in your mouth, so you don’t trap any dirt or germs between your tooth and restoration. Coat the inside of the crown with dental cement that you can find at your local pharmacy, and secure it over the visible portion of your damaged tooth. Remember that this is only a temporary solution and won’t fully protect your smile, which is why you still need to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Use a Temporary Filling Material
Until you’re able to get to your dentist, it’s important to protect your tooth. If your crown isn’t intact, you can try using a temporary filling material to cover your vulnerable tooth. Try molding dental wax over your tooth to fill the void and keep harmful oral bacteria from attacking it. This will only help for a short period of time. You can also ask your emergency dentist what they would recommend doing over the phone.
Keep the Area Clean
If your dental crown has broken off, it’s especially important to practice good oral hygiene. Gently brush around and inside your affected tooth to remove food debris and bacteria. You can also rinse with lukewarm saltwater after eating to help with this.
Ease Your Pain or Sensitivity
If you’re experiencing any sensitivity or discomfort due to the exposed nerves on the inside of your tooth, there are a few home remedies that can help. Occasionally, drug stores will sell clove oil, which you can apply to your tooth with a cotton ball to help ease your pain by numbing the area. If this doesn’t seem to help, you can also take over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen.
No matter what your situation is, it’s always important to contact your emergency dentist immediately and tell them, “My crown fell off! When can you fit me in?” They’ll provide you with first-aid guidance and try to fit you in as soon as possible so your tooth doesn’t sustain additional harm.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Farthing has been practicing dentistry since 1982 and has always been passionate about restoring his patients’ smiles. He has completed advanced studies and courses in a variety of dental topics, including sedation dentistry. He understands that accidents happen, which is why he is dedicated to seeing emergency cases immediately, if possible. For questions, or to schedule an emergency visit to repair your dental crown, visit Indianapolis Family Dentistry’s website or call 317-898-3384.