Dental restorations are designed to be durable and long-lasting. But that doesn’t mean they’re impervious. There are many activities or situations that could cause a dental crown in Towson, MD, to come loose or fall out. And if this happens, timing is often of the essence. In many cases, your dentist may be able to reset your dental crown with minimal treatment necessary. But there could be times when you may need additional treatment or a new crown altogether.
What to Do If You Lose a Dental Crown in Towson, MD
As with any other dental situation, the best thing to do is remain calm. Depending on what caused your crown to fall out, there could be other dental issues to be aware of. For example, if your crown falls out because of trauma or impact, you may have suffered damage to other teeth or your gums. But if your crown falls off while brushing your teeth, it could be a quick and simple fix. In any case, it’s important to follow the proper steps to help ensure a quick and effective treatment.
Locate and Secure the Crown
In many cases, if a crown falls off, it can often be put back in. But this is only true if you at least have the crown with you. If possible, locate the crown and carefully pick it up. You can gently rinse the crown if needed but do not wash it. (Be sure to first cover any drains to avoid losing your crown permanently). After, place your crown in a secured bag or container for safekeeping.
Contact Your Emergency Dentist
In many cases, it’s best to get your crown secured back in place as soon as possible. While you may be alright waiting a day, the longer you wait, the more damage you could suffer. Contact your dentist right away to get an appointment as soon as possible. If your dentist doesn’t offer immediate or emergency appointments, they may refer you to another dental office for further assistance.
Keep Your Tooth Clean and Protected
If you can’t get in right away, it’s highly important that you keep your now-exposed tooth clean and protected. When brushing and flossing, always use gentle pressure. It’s also recommended that you avoid chewing on the side of the mouth with the exposed tooth. Your dentist will clean and prepare the tooth before replacing the crown, but it’s still important to take care of it in the meantime.
If your dental crown falls off, don’t panic. In many cases, we can help reset your crown. If not, we can get started on replacing your restoration as soon as possible. Call us today at (410) 514-6553 to schedule an appointment and protect your tooth.