The purpose of a dental crown is to protect a damaged tooth. It can reduce your dental sensitivity, improve your smile’s aesthetics, and enable you to enjoy a broad range of foods. Dental crowns in Hamden are indeed important! They are securely bonded to the teeth, but there are some factors that can cause them to become dislodged. How can you handle a lost dental crown in Hamden? Follow the practical guidance in this blog post.
Call Your Emergency Dentist
A lost dental crown in Hamden can rightly be considered a dental emergency. Although it is not as urgent as other dental emergencies, such as a knocked-out tooth, you should still seek professional help as soon as possible. The longer you go without the crown, the greater the chances are that your tooth will suffer further damage. In most cases, your dentist will be able to attend to you on the same day that you call.
If possible, bring your crown with you to your appointment. If it and the underlying tooth are still basically intact, your dentist may be able to permanently reattach it. However, there are some cases in which a dentist must design a new crown or perform other treatments.
Attempt to Reattach the Crown
Inspect the crown and the underlying tooth. If the tooth is not broken or causing you severe pain, and if the crown has not become warped, you might be able to temporarily reattach it. Follow these steps:
- Gently clean the exposed tooth with a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste.
- Handling the crown carefully, clean it inside and out. Try to remove any leftover dental cement from inside it.
- Place the crown on your tooth to familiarize yourself with how it fits. If you cannot get it to slide easily onto your tooth, do not force it.
- Use a dab or toothpaste or temporary dental cement to attach the crown.
Be cautious with the reattached crown. Do not use it to chew foods, and do not wait for more than a few days before you visit your dentist.
If You Cannot Reattach the Crown
If you cannot locate the crown that has fallen off, or if you are unable to reattach it, it is especially important that you take measures to protect the exposed tooth. You should not use it to chew. It would also be wise to avoid hot and cold foods because they may cause significant sensitivity. Additionally, you should stay away from sticky foods because they might cling to the exposed tooth.
A lost dental crown is an emergency! Acting quickly to protect your vulnerable tooth will spare you from pain and safeguard your oral health.
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group features an expansive team of dentists and specialists. Drs. Kevin O’Brien and Farnaz Shahraki offer a range of emergency and restorative treatments in our Hamden location, including dental crowns. To learn more about our practice and how we may be able to serve you, contact us at 203-806-9257.