A crown is a cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. It also improves its appearance. Well, if your crown falls off, it might become a bit worrisome. But does this warrant seeking an emergency dentist? It depends. If you ever find yourself in this scenario, know what you need to do next. You can visit a Dentist in Long Beach and determine what to do next. Crowns do not have to be taken to the dental office immediately, but you should not ignore them at all. Knowing when to go to the dentist will make a huge difference.
Why Do Crowns Fall Out?
There are a few reasons a crown might fall out. It can happen if the crown was not placed properly, if there was a problem with the tooth underneath, or if you’ve been biting down on something hard. Sometimes, the cement holding the crown can weaken over time, causing it to loosen. Whatever the cause, it’s important to act quickly to avoid further damage to your tooth.
Should You Panic?
If your crown falls out, do not panic. Though it may be painful, it is not typically a life-threatening emergency. You can try to put the crown back on your tooth temporarily with dental cement or even a little petroleum jelly but do not use any glue or superglue, as it could make things worse. It is a good idea to keep the crown safe and clean until you can see a dentist.
When to Go to a Dentist
It may not be an emergency, but if a crown falls off, you should immediately visit a dentist. An emergency dentist can check if the tooth beneath the crown is healthy enough to hold another crown. The earlier you visit your dentist, the lesser the chance it has of causing more damage to the tooth. If the tooth is damaged or weakened, then your dentist would need to take some extra measures to restore the tooth.
What Will the Dentist Do?
When you go to the dentist, they check whether the tooth has any damage or not. When everything is all right, the dentist will clean both the tooth and the crown, then attach it again. But in case the tooth beneath is damaged, the dentist has to do even more work on it, such as a filling or even a root canal before placing the new crown.
In other instances, your dentist may recommend a new crown in case the previous one is destroyed beyond any restoration that can be done safely. He or she will advise you of the suitable option for your condition. 5. What if You Don’t Visit the Dentist?
You don’t want to ignore a fallen crown. If you let it go for too long, it can cause the underlying tooth to become more damaged or infected. The tooth is already more susceptible to decay, and all these issues can further lead to a bigger issue, and you may have to do a more complex procedure like a root canal or extraction.
In short, the crown is not such an urgent case but has to be attended to. It is, therefore, ideal to visit a dentist as soon as possible to prevent complications. It is a great idea to look for an emergency dentist in Long Beach to prevent more long-term issues. The dentist will help fix the problem so that you are comfortable once again. Don’t forget: If in doubt, do not wait-see your dentist as soon as possible so your tooth can remain healthy.