Loose teeth might be cute when you’re a kid, but once you’re an adult, they should be a thing of the past, even if it’s not exactly your real tooth that’s wiggling. A loose dental crown in Wharton can actually be harmful if left untreated for long enough. What should you do if the crown starts moving around? Read this step-by-step guide on what to do.
What is a Dental Crown?
A crown is a cap made of porcelain, metal, or ceramic that is slipped over a tooth. It can be used for many purposes, such as:
- Treating a tooth with a cavity too large for a filling
- Protecting a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy
- Concealing a badly stained or discolored tooth
- Covering a cracked, worn down, or weakened tooth
Now let’s talk about what you need to do if your dental crown comes loose.
1. Call Your Emergency Dentist
First things first, call your dentist in Wharton and let the staff know that you have a loose crown. Dentists typically keep some time in their schedule in case of emergencies like this. At your appointment, your dentist can determine why the crown came loose and come up with a personalized treatment plan to replace or reattach it.
2. Do Not Wiggle the Loose Crown
Although it may be tempting to move it around, try your best to leave the crown alone. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth until you can visit your dentist. If you disturb the crown, it could cause problems for the underlying tooth.
3. Use Temporary Dental Cement
Teeth without crowns are more sensitive to decay, which is why a lost crown is considered an emergency. If you can’t see your dentist for a few days, call them as ask if it’s okay to use dental cement as a temporary fix. It won’t last more than a few days, but it should hold the crown in place until your dentist can solve the problem. It should protect your tooth from decay and sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks.
What If My Dental Crown Comes Off?
If your crown becomes dislodged, try and save it if you can. Rinse it off gently with warm water, and try to place it back on facing the correct way with temporary dental cement. As with any other dental emergency, call your dentist first thing.
A loose crown can be scary, but it’s actually a fairly common issue. That’s why there’s no need to worry; your dentist can help you. As stated earlier, be sure that the first thing you do in this situation is call your dentist.
About the Author
Dr. David Tripulas has completed a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry to show his dedication to providing his patients with the highest-quality care possible. His practice is almost always able to schedule an emergency appointment on the same day you call. To get your crown treated, contact him at (979)-532-4663.