You may be enjoying a lovely dinner or a movie at your local theater when something completely unexpected happens. As you bite down on your steak or popcorn, you feel something loose in your mouth. You realize it’s your dental crown! While these restorations typically last about 15 to 20 years with the proper care, accidents can still happen and cause damage to them. However, it’s a perfectly solvable situation! Read on to learn four tips on what to do to get back to your complete smile.
#1. Inspect Your Crown and Underlying Tooth
Besides your natural curiosity, you will want to examine the area in your mouth that is affected because it will provide your dentist with helpful information when you call. To be able to take care of a lost, cracked, or damaged dental crown, a dental professional will have to treat it as soon as possible. If your crown didn’t entirely fall out, take note if it is dangling and if you are able to remove it if it is causing you a lot of discomfort. By thoroughly—and calmly–inspecting the area, you’ll be able to answer any questions your dental team asks as they help you get the fast, effective treatment you need.
#2. Call Your Dentist
Once you have checked out the inside of your mouth, make a call to your dentist. You will explain what happened, and in turn, they will more than likely have follow-up questions. They will also discuss the next best steps. Keep in mind that even if your unexpected dental issue happened outside of normal business hours, many dentists will have specific instructions on their voicemail about what to do in a dental emergency.
#3. Be Gentle with Your Oral Care
Whether your appointment is later that day or the following one, you will want to keep your mouth clean by continuing your oral hygiene routine. The key will be to do so without irritating the area! Be sure to gently brush your teeth and show extra care near the damaged tooth and surrounding tissue.
#4. Take A Break from Certain Foods
Food is oftentimes very comforting and easy to turn to in stressful times! While waiting for your appointment, you will want to make smile-friendly choices to protect the affected area. Foods that are sticky, chewy, or hard can cause more damage and lead to more pain and sensitivity. Some goodies to avoid would be pretzels, nuts, steak, and candy. Additionally, it is a good idea to temporarily stay away from beverages that are extremely hot or cold (like coffee).
Having an issue with your dental crown can be a stressful experience. However, by following the above steps, you will be able to keep your mouth safe from further harm. Before you know it, your dentist will be restoring your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Renee Corbitt and her team are eager to help keep your smile whole and healthy! She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry and is an active member of multiple dental associations, including the Academy of General Dentistry. By offering a range of comprehensive services, including restorative care with dental crowns that are customized to your smile. To schedule an appointment, contact her through her website or call (817) 294-8821.