When a crown falls out, visiting your dental clinic in Montreal right away is vital to prevent your tooth from breaking, infection, decay and other types of damage. These tips can help you properly care for your tooth and keep it in good shape.
How to Care for a Lost Crown
If you feel your crown come loose or detect something hard in your mouth, spit it out right away so you don’t accidentally swallow it. Typically, a crown will not harm you if you swallow it but if you breathe in you could choke or get it lodged in your lungs. Another advantage to saving the crown is that your dental clinic in Montreal may be able to do an easy fix by re-cementing it if the crown still fits properly. Gently clean the crown, put it in a small plastic bag or container and keep it in a safe place.
If you are able to get an emergency appointment that works with your schedule, it’s best to see the dentist right away. Leaving your tooth exposed could subject it to further damage and infection. Contact your Montreal dental clinic as soon as possible to make an appointment. If you are unable to see your dentist for a few days, the following tips can help protect your tooth and keep it comfortable.
Protecting Your Tooth
If your crown is still intact you may be able to put it back over the tooth using temporary cement, which can be purchased over-the-counter at a drugstore. Make sure the inside of the crown is clean, put a bit of dental cement on it, and hold it firmly in place until the cement is set. If you can’t salvage the crown or put it back in your mouth, you can also use dental cement or wax to cover the exposed tooth and create a barrier to protect it. Often used for braces, dental wax can be found at drugstores as well.
Dealing with Discomfort
If the tooth is sensitive or painful, you can also apply clove oil to the tooth to alleviate discomfort. Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and swishing with warm salt water can help relieve discomfort.
Diet and Dental Hygiene
Until you see your Westmount dentist, eat a soft diet and chew your food on the unaffected side of your mouth. It’s best to avoid hard, sticky and crunchy foods until you can have your crown repaired or replaced. If you are experiencing sensitivity you should also avoid extremely cold, hot and sweet foods and acidic drinks.
Practicing good oral hygiene is always a must, but it’s particularly important to keep your mouth clean after a crown falls out. Gently brush the area and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash several times a day.
Losing a crown can be daunting, but there’s no need to panic. Visiting your dental clinic in Montreal as soon as possible can save your tooth and help prevent more extensive problems.
