What to do if one of your crowns falls out
When Every Smile installed your crown it was to restore the function and appearance of the enamel layer of a tooth for a long time. Unfortunately, there are instances where something like a blow to the face, a hard fall or issues with chronic periodontal disease can weaken the cement anchoring a crown to the abutment.
If you have a crown that has come loose or fallen out, you need to call Every Smile as soon as possible to have the problem addressed. The longer you wait the more likely you are to damage the abutment that anchors the crown in place.
In the interim, while you are waiting to see Every Smile there are a few things you can do to help minimize any further damage and help assess the situation.
You shouldn’t try to brush or clean any of the exposed abutment or the crown. This could potentially damage something and result in serious complications. You can gently rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water if a blow to the face left blood or debris in your mouth.
If problems with long term gum disease allowed bacteria to weaken the cement anchoring your crown, you will see the abutment sticking out from your gums. It will usually look like a small nub of tooth or dull gray metal. The crown itself should also be completely hollow. If this is the case Every Smile might be able to cement the crown back into place.
If the abutment has broken off near the gum line or has been otherwise damaged, some or all of it will still be inside the crown. In a case like this Every Smile might have to perform a root canal to restore enough structure to cement the crown back in place.
If you have a lost a crown or one has broken off at the gum line, you need to call Dr. Scott Lee a dentist in Chandler as soon as possible at 480-939-3457 to schedule an appointment.