When you have gone to all of the efforts of getting crowns implanted to protect your teeth, it can be awful when you discover one of them has broken and fallen off. But you don’t have to worry. Worcester Dental, we have our expert staff on hand who can help you get your smile back.
What is a crown?
A crown is an artificial covering of a tooth designed to fit in your mouth permanently. On average, a crown can last between ten to thirty years. Of course, this depends on many factors, such as the material and how much wear and tear you put on your teeth. They can be made from many different materials, including porcelain and resin. The material that you choose is up to you and your personal preference. People have crowns fitted for any number of reasons, but the main one is for tooth protection. Crowns are excellent for helping protect your teeth and maintain a healthy mouth.
What should you do if you lose a crown?
If a crown comes away from your tooth, you should first try to find it. It is important to remember that a crown has probably been put on your tooth to protect it. Therefore this is considered a dental emergency. If you can find it, there is a good chance that your dentist can reattach it. If you can’t find it, it’s okay. You will have to wait for a new crown to be fitted, but this should not take too long. You should have a temporary crown fitted to help protect your tooth from any further dama until then. Some signs can tell you if there are significant issues with a crown missing, they are-
- You are in a lot of pain.
- There is a sharp edge of the crown or the tooth that could cause damage to the inside of your mouth.
- The crown is broken but still partially attached and could be a choking hazard.
If you experience any of these issues, call our office immediately for an emergency appointment. Even if you feel that it is not an emergency, contact us anyway, and we can give you some advice over the phone as to what you should do until you can get over to our office. If the crown has come away completely and is not causing any pain, you won’t have significant risks. However, this is not an excuse to skip a dental treatment. The crown will still need to be reattached, and it is wise to do it sooner than later.
What should you do until you can see a dentist?
The time it takes to lose a crown and get it fixed again can seem like forever. Until you can get to the dentist’s office, you should be extra careful to prevent further damage to your mouth or the tooth. Some of the things that you need to be mindful of are-
- Brushing your teeth while the crown is off can be challenging. Make sure you brush twice a day with a soft brush to keep your teeth clean and don’t cause any further damage by brushing.
- Do not eat anything sticky or chewy until after you have seen the dentist.
- Remember that you need to avoid extreme temperatures with your food. Food and drink which is too hot or too cold can attack the nerves in your tooth and cause you a lot of pain. Try to stick with lukewarm or cool foods and drinks until the crown is reattached.
If you cannot get into the office for a couple of days, it is possible to pack or cover your tooth with an over-the-counter filler until you can be seen properly. As a general rule, we don’t recommend going without your crown for an extended period, especially if the crown was put in place to protect your tooth from decay or damage. Without the crown, the tooth will be more sensitive and will become very painful. Don’t wait for it to get to this stage; get your teeth seen as soon as possible for a repair.
If you are suffering from a broken crown, don’t delay! At Worcester Dental, we specialize in the maintenance and repair of dental crowns. So give our office a call now and see how our friendly staff can help you and your dental needs.
