Has your Dental Crown Fell Off? If you have a dental crown then it is possible that it may fell off for various reasons including poor dental work. Thus, in this article you will get to know what you should do if your dental down came off. Let us first explain what dental crowns are. A dental crown is a cap that your dentist may use in case a tooth is weak or has been damaged in some way. A crown may become loose or fall off for various reasons including; you may bite on a hard object, You experience trauma in your mouth, or simply a bad dental work. All the same, a missing crown requires the attention of a professional. In this article, we shall look at various situations and know when it is advisable to visit a dentist. Here you will find detailed information about the various types of crown:
Scenario 1: Crown Fell Off a Healthy Tooth (No Root Canal)
Some times crown is used to protect a tooth that is otherwise healthy. If you had a crown and the tooth underneath did not have a root canal then follow the following steps:
- Check Your Tooth: To avoid contamination of the area, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water solution. Feel the tooth to check if there are any sharp edges that could potentially hurt your tongue or the inside of your cheek.
- Visit Your Dentist Within a Few Days: Since the tooth under it is healthy you may not feel any discomfort. However, you should still go to your dentist at once. The tooth with no cap is also at higher risk of caries or sensitivity and you don’t want to risk damaging the tooth further.
- Do Not Chew on That Side: Avoid using hard foods and try to chew on the foods on the other side of your mouth until you visit the dentist for the crown to be fixed.
When to Seek Immediate Care
If you have discomfort that is severe, sensitivity that is unbearable, or if you have facial swelling, then you should set up an appointment with Dr. Abaian at Southland Dental Care as soon as possible. He is a seasoned dentist who has been awarded as the best cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles and can give you the best service within no time.
Scenario 2: Crown Fell Off a Tooth That Had a Root Canal
A tooth with a root canal has no pulp in it, that is why you may not feel pain if the crown comes off. But it does not mean that you should leave the problem untreated:
- Check the Tooth: Gently look for any visible cracks or fractures. Even though there is no nerve, the tooth can still chip or become infected if left uncovered.
- Call may Your Dentist Soon: You do not need to rush to the emergency room in most cases, but do not wait too long. The underlying tooth may weaken without a crown to protect it.
- Proper Oral Hygiene: Keep the tooth that is now exposed clean, use soft toothbrush to prevent the accumulation of bacteria. You may also use antiseptic mouthwash.
When to Seek Immediate Care
Go for an urgent care if you develop swelling, discharge or bad odor as this could be a sign of infection. For any gum problems or implant problems the best Periodontist in Los Angeles is Dr. Hanookai while Dr. Abaian can remove the crown and place a new one.
Scenario 3: Crown Fell Off a Dental Implant
An implant crown should not come off easily from the implant, but it can happen. If your implant crown came off:
- Look at the Crown and the Abutment: Ensure that the abutment that is the metal post is still in place. It is not recommended that you try to put the crown back on by yourself this may damage the implant site.
- Go See Your Dental Implants Specialist as Soon As Possible: To book an appointment, all you need to do is to call your dentist and inform him or her about the incident. This particular issue can be considered as not very severe if you do not feel pain, but it is better to consult your dentist as soon as possible to avoid the damage to the implant.
- Keep the Crown Safe: Keep the crown in a clean container or a small zip lock bag. If it is not damaged the dentist may be able to cement it back in place.
When to Seek Immediate Care
For instance, if you develop pain, swelling or bleeding at the implant site, then it is advisable to seek an urgent care at Southland Dental Care. Dr. Hanookai who is the best periodontist in Los Angeles will be able to check on the gums and the implant integration.
Is This an Emergency?
To determine whether a loose or a fallen crown needs emergency attention, one has to look for symptoms such as:
- Pain or Infection: Intense pain, swelling or signs of infection such as pus, fever or constant throbbing requires urgent care from a dentist.
- Sensitivity: It is acceptable if you can wait for one or two days, however, do not keep on delaying the treatment. This is because when a crown is missing the tooth is left in a vulnerable state.
Conclusion
A loose or a fallen crown may not always demand an emergent management, however, it should not be left unattended to either. Whether your crown is on an implant, on a healthy tooth or on a tooth with a root canal, a professional intervention is always important. Dr. Abaian who is the top cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles and Dr. Hanookai the best periodontist in Los Angeles will ensure that you get the right treatment at Southland Dental Care. If you have doubts and your crown comes off, do not hesitate to call us. We will also ensure that we get your smile and comfort back as soon as possible.