You’re enjoying dinner when you feel a sudden shift in your mouth. If you realize that you’ve just lost a dental crown, you might not be aware of what steps to take next. Dental crowns are built to last, but that doesn’t mean they can’t fall out or be pulled off of your tooth prematurely. Often, the adhesive may fail or the enamel supporting the crown may decay. If your dental crown falls out, here’s a step-by-step guide that can save you and your tooth a lot of trouble:
Step 1: Recognize If You Have A Dental Emergency
Often, a lost crown is not a dental emergency. That said, there are many situations where emergency dental care is appropriate:
- If you have significant pain in the tooth or surrounding gums.
- If you have a partial crown remaining or if the discomfort is impacting your ability to eat or drink.
- If the crown is still partially attached it represents a serious choking hazard that should be immediately addressed.
An unprotected tooth can also leave you susceptible to infection or further damage to your mouth. In this case, contact your dentist for immediate repair or replacement. If you do not have a dentist, are traveling in the Lancaster PA area, or if your dentist doesn’t offer emergency services…
Step 2: Call Angstadt For An Appointment
Whether you are an existing patient or new to Angstadt Dental Lancaster, we can fix your crown in a timely, comfortable fashion. When you need emergency dental services in Lancaster PA, we will provide the earliest available appointment to deliver the care you need regardless of the day of the week or time of day. We regularly work with new patients who don’t know where else to turn to have their pain treated and crown replaced.
“My journey at Angstadt Dental began as an emergency. One of my back teeth broke off at work on a Friday morning. I thought I would need to wait until Monday to have something done. Dr. Angstadt was willing to come in on Friday evening with one of the staff to help me. So many of my teeth were in need of help. I was always embarrassed by my smile. Now I have a beautiful smile and am so happy with my results. This practice is family oriented and you are treated like family. All the staff are very caring and helpful. You will not be disappointed.”
Kathleen – Emergency Dentistry Patient
Dental emergencies seem to happen at the most inconvenient time for patients. This is why our doctors are always available and make time on weekends or late at night for patients in need. Being available is very important and we always want our patients – and walk-ins – to feel comfortable reaching out after hours, even if it’s just with questions about an upcoming service or post-treatment care.
Step 3: Rinse Off Your Crown And Protect It
If your crown is dirty or covered in food, rinse it off gently with warm water. Then, put it into a plastic bag or container where it’s easily accessible. Bring it with you to your dental appointment so it can be examined. Ideally, you should get emergency dental care on the same day your crown falls out. The underlying tooth is probable sore and tender (or worse), since it is no longer being protected by the crown. If you are in considerable pain, you can take a few steps to protect the tooth. One option is dental wax which you can also get at the drugstore. Form a lump of wax around your tooth and it will temporarily be protected until it can be professionally treated. Avoid hot or cold liquids and refrain from chewing on the impacted side of your mouth until you can see a dentist.
Step 4: Get Your Crown Reattached Or Replaced
Don’t delay. If your crown remains in one piece and the tooth is in good shape, it may be possible to reattach the crown with dental cement. Done properly, this repair can last several years. However, if either the crown or tooth is damaged, crown reattachment is inadvisable. In this case, your dentist will discuss your options for both immediate treatment and crown replacement. Don’t wait. Get the help you need to alleviate your discomfort and restore your smile.
Benefits of Getting Dental Crowns at Angstadt
We can help restore, preserve, and improve your smile with a dental crown. For the past 25 years, our in-house team has partnered with Gibson Dental Designs – the top ceramicist in the US – to ensure better color, customization, and strength. We design your restorative treatment to your unique, personal specifications and work with the same lab tech throughout the process. Here are five key benefits of getting your dental crown treatment at Angstadt:
- We can help you relieve uncomfortable symptoms like pain or sensitivity
- Our techniques use a relatively simple procedure to create & place your treatment
- Angstadt and our lab partners ensure they’re custom made to your individualized smile
- Our restorative features can enhance the appearance of your teeth
- Our treatments use quality components and are backed by a 100% warranty
After treatment, oral hygiene at home and regular dental check-ups are of the utmost importance to keep the teeth healthy under your crowns and ensure a long-lasting restoration.
Talk to our Dentists Directly in Lancaster
Whether you know you need restorative work such as a crown or not, contact us today to get started on your free consultation. We will help you navigate your dental insurance and have a number of payment options available to get you on the path to oral health. We even provide regular dental cleanings!