Although crowns are intended to be permanently fixed in your mouth, they sometimes fall out. Losing your dental crown can be surprising, but it’s not usually a dental emergency. So there is no need to panic.
However, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your mouth and keep the tooth intact afterwards. Here’s what our emergency dentist wants you to know about losing your veneer.
Is a broken coating an emergency?
Generally no. The only time you should call our emergency dentist for a broken crown is when the rough edges are sharp. In this case, you may need emergency dental care to avoid accidentally cutting your tongue or cheeks. Otherwise, you can wait a few days for your appointment.
If your crown is broken and the edges are not sharp but still bothering you, be sure to tell your dentist when you go.
What should you do if the coating falls off?
Do not panic. If your veneer falls out, the first thing you should do is call our office. We will be able to fit you into our schedule as soon as possible, which may be in a few days. Use over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce any pain or discomfort.
If your veneer is intact, you can buy glue from the pharmacy. Next, you’ll want to clean the inside of your dental veneer. Apply the dental adhesive to your real tooth and place your dental veneer on top. Hold your dental veneer in place until the adhesive dries.
If your veneer is not intact, we recommend keeping it to show your emergency dentist. Your dentist may reuse your veneer if it is in good condition.
Can the coating be removed and reused?
Yes, but it depends on the condition of your veneer. If your veneer is intact, our dentist can put it back on your teeth. Otherwise, our dentist may need to make a new tooth coating.
If you need a new veneer, our dentist will need to take impressions of your teeth to send them to the lab. A temporary crown is then placed over your tooth. Your permanent dental crown will be ready when you return for your second appointment.
If your plate falls off, can I still eat it?
Yes, but first you need to protect your teeth. You will be able to eat when you protect your teeth. But you will need to stay away from hard-to-chew or sticky foods.
That way you won’t accidentally pull your veneer back or damage your teeth. It’s also best to chew on the opposite side of your protected tooth to minimize the chance of accidental damage.
What happens if you swallow your coating?
If you think you accidentally swallowed your coating, call your doctor right away. You have the chance to aspirate it instead, and your dental veneer may be in your lungs. A medical doctor will be able to take an X-ray to see where your veneer is going. If you’ve actually swallowed your veneer, it should go away in a few days. Dental crowns are small and smooth, which makes it easy for them to pass through the digestive tract.
