Is Losing a Crown a Dental Emergency?
Did your dental crown fall out? If so, don’t panic. Our dentist can use to plan and place your new crown in one appointment. In the meantime, there are steps you’ll need to take to protect your tooth while you wait to see our dentist in Grand Rapids, MI. Since losing a crown isn’t a dental emergency, you may need to wait a few days for your appointment.
Is a Broken Crown an Emergency?
You’ll need emergency dental care if the edges of your broken crown are jagged and sharp. In this situation, you’ll need to see our dentist ASAP so you don't cut your tongue or cheeks by accident.
If the edges of the broken crown are smooth, you’ll be able to wait until our next available time slot for your appointment. This may mean waiting a few days.
What Should I Do if a Crown Falls Off?
Don't panic. If your dental crown falls off, the first thing you'll need to do is call our office. We'll be able to fit you in our schedule as soon as possible, which may be several days from now. Use over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce any pain or discomfort.
If your dental crown is intact, we recommend buying some dental cement from the drug store. Next, you'll want to clean the inside of your dental crown. Apply the dental cement to your actual tooth and place your dental crown on top. Hold the dental crown in place until the cement dries.
If your dental crown isn't intact, we still recommend keeping it to show our dentist. Our dentist may be able to use your dental crown if it's in good condition. In the meantime, mold dental wax over your tooth so it's protected. You'll want to use the same dental wax that's used to push errant wire braces back into place. Most drug stores sell dental wax.
Can a Permanent Crown Be Removed and Put Back?
Yes, but it depends on the condition of the dental crown. If your dental crown is intact, our dentist may be able to place it back on your tooth. Otherwise, our dentist may need to make a new tooth crown.
If you need a , our dentist will need to take impressions of your teeth to send to the lab. They’ll then place a temporary crown over your tooth. When you return for your second appointment, your permanent tooth crown will be ready. We can also use CEREC to make your dental crown in one appointment.
Related:5 Benefits of CEREC Same-Day Crowns
Can I Eat If My Crown Falls Out?
Yes, but you need to protect your tooth first. (See the section above about what you should do if your crown falls off.) Once you protect your tooth, you'll be able to eat. Yet, you'll need to stay away from foods that are hard to chew or sticky. That way, you won't pull off your crown again by accident or damage your tooth. It's also best if you chew on the side opposite of your dental crown.
What Should I Do If I Swallow My Crown?
Call a medical doctor immediately if you think you swallowed your crown by accident. There's a chance you could have instead aspirated it and your dental crown is in your lungs. A medical doctor will be able to take X-rays to see where your dental crown went. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
If you indeed swallowed your dental crown, it should pass in a few days. Dental crowns are small and smooth, which makes it easy for them to pass through the digestive tract.
Schedule an Appointment With Us!
Dr. Alexandra Dodds is a family dentist in Grand Rapids, MI, who offer emergency dental services. To request an appointment, call Renew Family Dental at (616) 245-3205.
This blog post has been updated.