Dental
While a lost dental crown might seem less scary than a knocked-out tooth, it still counts as a severe problem. After all, the prosthetic is supposed to protect you from infection and further damage. Without it, your pearly white is vulnerable and at risk. You should thus contact your dentist for treatment as soon as possible. If you have time until your appointment, though, you’ll also need to handle parts of your situation yourself. To help you do that, here’s a summary of three tips to follow while you wait.
Examine Your Tooth and Crown
First things first: Examine the affected area to learn your current condition. By telling your dentist about your findings, they can decide if you need same-day care or can afford to space out your appointment. Whatever the case, though, you should visit within a week of losing the crown.
If possible, find the prosthetic and hold onto it. A dentist can usually re-apply a lost crown when it’s still in good condition. In the meantime, you may be able to slip it back onto your tooth using a denture adhesive.
Don’t panic if you can’t find the crown. A new one can be made and applied to the tooth.
Practice Careful Oral Hygiene
Since your underlying tooth is exposed, you’ll need to practice careful oral hygiene before seeing your dentist.
For starters, brush gently yet thoroughly twice daily. Don’t apply much force, as the vulnerable area is prone to damage in its weakened state.
Also, closely inspect the tooth each day. That way, you can ensure the tissue and surrounding region aren’t experiencing more harm.
Watch Your Eating & Chewing
Until the time of your appointment, you should avoid certain foods and drinks that could hurt your now-crownless tooth. These include:
- Crunchy items (chips, hard candies, etc.)
- Sticky or chewy things, as these can meld to the tooth
- Extremely hot or cold foods and beverages that could cause pain and tooth sensitivity
In any case, you should avoid chewing on the affected side.
Your lost dental crown will either be restored or replaced. So long as you remember the tips above, the time from now till then will go safely!
About the Practice
Parks Family Dental is based in Lincoln, NE. Headed by Dr. Wesley Parks, the practice’s team deeply cares for each of its patients and treats them all as individuals. That said, they offer personalized preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry for all ages and needs. As needed, staff can also provide emergency dental treatments. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach them at their website or by phone at (402)-484-6042.