It is such a relief for both your oral health and self-confidence when you have a chipped or broken tooth fixed with a dental crown. But what happens when that crown gets chipped, cracked, or falls out?
At Metairie Village Dentistry, located in Metairie, Louisiana, Dr. Lisa Wyatt understands that issues sometimes occur with dental crowns. That’s why we offer many options for care, including replacement crowns.
Getting a dental crown repairs a broken, weak, or discolored tooth. When you receive a crown, Dr. Wyatt and the rest of our staff offer several tips to help you keep it protected and safe. But we know accidents can still happen.
Your crown might get chipped or broken because of a blow during a sports game. It can crack while you are eating and biting down on something hard. In some cases, it might fall out completely.
According to the National Library of Medicine, crowns often last for about five years. And with proper care, they can potentially last as many as 20. But none of this is guaranteed. So, if your crown cracks or falls out, don’t fear. Just follow the steps below.
First, don’t panic. Call our office and follow these steps.
If your crown has dislodged, try to locate it. If it cracked, find the pieces that have broken off.
You will need to call our team and explain the situation. At Metairie Village Dentistry, we will get you an appointment as soon as possible. We will ask you questions to fully assess the situation. These could include:
Obviously, this won’t always work. But if it can be reattached temporarily, you’ll protect the tooth underneath. Temporary dental cement is perfect for this, and you can find it at any pharmacy.
While you are waiting for your dental appointment, protect your oral health. Try to eat soft foods or liquids whenever possible, and brush your teeth very carefully.
In some cases, when you come in for your appointment, we may be able to reattach the crown. However, if the tooth underneath is damaged and the crown no longer fits, you may need a new one.
Fortunately, at our office, we offer CEREC®, an advanced treatment that allows us to form the mold for a new crown during your appointment. That means you will be able to leave the office with a new crown on the same day.
Let us provide you with the quick, effective help you need. Make an appointment today. Just call 504-827-1910 or make an appointment online to visit us at our Metairie, Louisiana office.
