If you’ve ever had a dental crown fall out, then you know just how uncomfortable it can be. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to both prevent dental crowns from falling out and treat them when they do. In this article, we’ll explain what happens when a dental crown falls out, how to prevent it from happening, and answer some common questions about dental crowns.
Whether due to an accident or wear-and-tear, dental crowns can sometimes fall out. Knowing what to do if this happens will help you get the dental care that you need and minimize any discomfort or further damage to your mouth. In this article, we’ll cover the steps you should take when a dental crown falls out, as well as how to prevent it from happening.
What to Do When a Dental Crown Falls Out
When dental crowns fall out, it’s important to act quickly and seek dental care. Here are the steps you should take when a dental crown falls out:
1. Call your dentist as soon as possible – As soon as your dental crown comes out, call your dental care provider to schedule an appointment. If you have dental crown insurance, make sure that your dental care provider is in-network.
2. Store the dental crown – If possible, try to store the dental crown in a plastic container or wrap it in a wet paper towel. This will help your dental care provider assess the damage and properly replace the dental crown.
3. Manage any pain you may be experiencing – If your dental crown has fallen out, you may experience some discomfort or pain in the affected area. You can take over-the-counter medications to help manage this pain until you can see your dental care provider and have it properly replaced.
4. Avoid dental adhesive – It’s important not to use dental adhesive or “cement” when trying to reattach your dental crown, as this can cause more damage and may prevent your dental care provider from being able to properly replace the crown.
When Should You See a Dentist?
It’s important to seek dental care as soon as possible after a dental crown falls out. This will help your dental care provider assess the damage and determine whether or not the dental crown can be replaced. If your dental crown has been damaged, they may need to take impressions of your teeth in order to create a new dental crown.
How Can You Prevent Dental Crowns from Falling Out?
The best way to prevent dental crowns from falling out is to practice good dental hygiene. Make sure to brush and floss twice a day and visit your dental care provider regularly for checkups and cleanings. Additionally, be careful not to bite or chew on hard foods or objects as this can damage dental crowns and cause them to fall out.
Are Dental Crowns Expensive?
The cost of dental crowns varies depending on the material used, where the dental crown is placed in your mouth, and the dental care provider you use. Generally speaking, dental crowns can range from $800 to over $3,000. However, dental insurance may cover a portion of these costs.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are important for protecting the health and integrity of your teeth, so it’s important to seek dental care right away if a dental crown falls out. Following proper dental hygiene practices can help prevent dental crowns from falling out in the first place.
FAQs
Dental crowns typically last anywhere from 5-15 years depending on how well they are taken care of. If you practice good dental hygiene and visit your dental care provider regularly, your dental crowns can last even longer.
Failing to replace a dental crown that has fallen out can lead to dental health issues such as tooth decay, infection, and even further damage to remaining dental crowns. It’s important to seek dental care as soon as possible if a dental crown has fallen out.
No, dental crowns typically cannot be whitened. If you are looking for a brighter smile, talk to your dental care provider about other options such as dental veneers or teeth whitening.
