Gateway Family Dental Blog
So Your Dental Crown Fell Off. Now What?
Gateway Family Dental in Murfreesboro has seen plenty of patients who come into our office panicking because one of their crowns fell off.
Fortunately, this is a common problem that can be fixed.
Here’s what you should do if it happens to you.
Step #1: Take the Crown Out of Your Mouth, Examine It
When a crown falls off, don’t leave it in your mouth. Doing so could cause you to accidentally swallow it or inhale it. A broken crown can also have jagged edges which can damage the soft tissue in the mouth and gums and further damage the tooth root that is now exposed.
If you can’t find the crown, or you’ve accidentally swallowed it, don’t panic. The majority of crowns pass through the digestive tract without issue.
If the crown isn’t damaged, you can try to set it back in place using over-the-counter dental cement.
This can prevent the vulnerable tooth beneath the crown from further damage.
It’s important to note that a broken crown held in place by dental cement needs to be fixed by your dentist immediately.
Step #2: Contact Your Dentist
After you’ve checked your crown for damage, you should immediately call your dentist to schedule an appointment to have your crown reattached. If you wait too long, bacteria can penetrate the underlying tooth and create an infection. When this happens, you may need to get a root canal.
If you can keep the crown in tact, it’s likely that your dentist can reattach it.
If you swallowed the crown or can’t find it, your dentist will need to manufacture a new one. You’ll receive a temporary dental crown while you wait for your new crown
to be molded.
Step #3: Put the Undamaged Crown in a Safe Place
If you don’t feel comfortable placing your crown back in your mouth, you should store it in a safe place while you wait for your dentist appointment.
Place the detached crown in a plastic baggy or wrap it in a paper towel and secure it. Bring it with you to your dentist appointment so your dentist can evaluate whether or not it can be reattached.
The exposed tooth beneath a broken crown may be extremely sensitive and painful. If it is, applying clove oil to the tooth can help relieve some of the discomfort. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication.
Gateway Family Dentistry in Murfreesboro specializes in dental crowns, including reattaching crowns that have fallen off. We pride ourselves on creating a comfortable office environment so every patient feels at ease.
Contact us today
to schedule your appointment.
Read More From Gateway Family Dentistry
At Gateway Family Dentistry, we know that halitosis can impact your confidence and how you feel day to day. Occasional bad breath happens to everyone, but if it sticks around, it could point to a more serious oral health problem. Studying what causes bad breath and how to treat it can help you keep your breath fresh and your smile healthy. Common Causes of Bad Breath Bad breath can have many causes, from everyday habits to dental problems. Figuring out what’s behind it is the first step to finding the right solution. Poor Oral Hygiene Not brushing and flossing well enough is a major cause of bad breath. When food stays in your mouth, bacteria can grow and create bad smells. Plaque that builds up on your teeth and gums can also make bad breath stick around. Dry Mouth Saliva helps clean your mouth by washing away food and bacteria. If you don’t have enough saliva, bacteria can grow faster and cause bad breath. Dry mouth can occur while you sleep, from certain medicines, or due to certain health conditions. Gum Disease Persistent halitosis may point to gum disease. Bacteria under the gums produce toxins and odors that cause halitosis. Treating gum problems early can help keep your mouth healthy and your breath fresh. Certain Foods and Beverages Foods such as garlic, onions, and strong spices can cause temporary bad breath. Coffee and alcohol can also contribute to drying out your mouth. These smells usually go away, but good oral care can help reduce them. Ongoing mouth odor can increase the risk of gum disease, which may contribute to chronic bad breath. Quitting tobacco use benefits not only your breath but also your overall health. How to Treat Bad Breath The good news is that most bad breath can get better with good oral care and healthy habits. Brush and Floss Daily Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily removes plaque that causes bad smells. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, since bacteria often build up there. Maintaining water intake throughout the day helps maintain saliva secretion and washes away bacteria. Maintaining hydration is especially important for individuals who experience dry mouth. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups Routine dental checkups and cleanings help prevent bad breath. Dentists can get rid of bacterial buildup that brushing can’t reach and spot signs of gum disease or other problems that may be causing halitosis. Antibacterial mouthwashes can briefly reduce bacteria and freshen breath. However, antibacterial mouthwashes can help reduce bacteria and freshen your breath temporarily. But remember, they should be used in addition to regular brushing and flossing, not instead of them. If your oral hygiene is poor, it may be time to visit your dentist. Chronic halitosis can sometimes be linked to gum disease, tooth decay, dry mouth, or other medical concerns that require specialist assessment. At Gateway Family Dentistry, we’re here to help you keep your smile healthy and confident with preventive care and helpful advice. Seeing us regularly lets us catch problems early and give you tips that fit your long-term oral health needs. If you’re dealing with persistent bad breath or need a dental checkup, give our office a call to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you get fresher breath and a healthier smile.
At Gateway Family Dentistry, we know maintaining a healthy smile involves more than brushing and flossing. The foods and drinks you consume daily play a major role in your oral health.
At Gateway Family Dentistry, we recognize the strong link between oral health and overall wellness. Gum disease is a common, often overlooked...