When a dental crown falls off, you need an emergency dentist immediately. As a dentist at Lakeside Dental, I’ve seen countless patients who delayed treatment after losing a crown. Unfortunately, this delay often leads to more serious complications that could have been easily prevented.

Why Losing a Crown Requires an Emergency Dentist

A dental crown protects the underlying tooth structure from damage and decay. Moreover, the tooth beneath a crown is often significantly weakened from previous decay or trauma. Therefore, when a crown comes off, the exposed tooth becomes extremely vulnerable.

The Exposed Tooth is at Risk

Without the protective crown, the prepared tooth faces immediate threats. First, bacteria can quickly enter the exposed area and cause infection. Additionally, the tooth may become extremely sensitive to temperature changes and pressure.

Furthermore, the exposed tooth structure is often softer than natural enamel. Consequently, it can chip, crack, or break easily without the crown’s protection. An emergency dentist can prevent these complications with prompt treatment.

Immediate Steps Before Seeing an Emergency Dentist

Protecting the Crown and Tooth

If your crown falls off, handle it carefully and keep it safe. Moreover, rinse both the crown and your mouth with warm water. Additionally, examine the crown for any damage or debris that might prevent proper reattachment.

Never attempt to reattach the crown permanently using household adhesives. However, temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can provide short-term protection. Furthermore, avoid chewing on the affected side until you see an emergency dentist.

Managing Pain and Sensitivity

The exposed tooth may cause significant discomfort or sensitivity. Therefore, over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage symptoms temporarily. Additionally, avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages.

Clove oil applied gently to the exposed tooth can provide temporary pain relief. However, these measures are only temporary solutions. Moreover, you still need to see an emergency dentist as soon as possible.

What a Dentist Will Do

Immediate Assessment and Treatment

An emergency dentist will first examine the crown and the exposed tooth carefully. Subsequently, they’ll determine whether the crown can be reattached or needs replacement. Additionally, they’ll check for any damage to the underlying tooth structure.

If the crown is intact and fits properly, an emergency dentist can often reattach it immediately. However, if the tooth has changed shape or the crown is damaged, temporary measures may be necessary. Furthermore, a new crown might need to be fabricated.

Preventing Further Complications

Prompt treatment by an emergency dentist prevents serious complications from developing. For instance, exposed teeth can develop severe decay within days. Moreover, bacteria can reach the tooth’s pulp and cause painful infections.

An emergency dentist can also address any sensitivity or pain you’re experiencing. Additionally, they’ll provide specific instructions for caring for the area until permanent treatment is completed.

Common Reasons Crowns Fall Off

Normal Wear and Aging

Dental crowns typically last 10-15 years with proper care. However, the cement holding them in place can gradually weaken over time. Therefore, older crowns are more likely to come loose or fall off completely.

Regular dental check-ups help identify loose crowns before they fall off. Moreover, an emergency dentist can often re-cement a loose crown before it becomes a true emergency.

Underlying Tooth Decay

Sometimes decay develops beneath a crown, weakening the tooth structure. Consequently, the crown may no longer fit properly and can fall off. Furthermore, this situation requires immediate attention from an emergency dentist.

Decay under crowns often goes unnoticed until the crown becomes loose. Therefore, regular dental visits are essential for early detection and prevention of these issues.

Long-term Consequences of Delaying Emergency Dentist Care

Increased Treatment Complexity

Delaying treatment after losing a crown often leads to more complex problems. For example, the exposed tooth may fracture and require additional procedures. Moreover, infection can develop and spread to surrounding tissues.

What could have been a simple crown reattachment may become a root canal or extraction. Therefore, seeing an emergency dentist promptly can save time, money, and discomfort in the long run.

Risk of Tooth Loss

In severe cases, delaying emergency dentist care can result in tooth loss. Once significant damage or infection occurs, the tooth may not be salvageable. Furthermore, replacing a lost tooth is more complex and expensive than treating the original problem.

When to Contact Us

Contact an emergency dentist immediately if your crown falls off, especially if you experience pain or sensitivity. Additionally, seek urgent care if you notice swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection around the affected area.

At Lakeside Dental, we provide emergency dentist services for crown-related problems. Moreover, we understand that dental emergencies don’t follow regular business hours. Therefore, we offer after-hours emergency care when needed.

Taking Action

Don’t wait if your crown falls off – contact an dentist right away. Call Lakeside Dental at 905-664-0808 for immediate assistance. We’re located at 369-377 Regional Rd 8, Stoney Creek, ON L8G 1E7.

Our experienced dentist team is ready to help restore your crown and protect your oral health. Remember, prompt treatment prevents complications and ensures the best possible outcome.