Dental crowns are used to cover the top portions of damaged teeth to protect them from experiencing further damage. Occasionally, a dental crown may come loose due to decay underneath it. While this is rarely a true emergency, it can be painful because the exposed tooth tissue may be sensitive to temperature, pressure, or air. Do not wait to contact your dentist. The remaining portions of your tooth are not as strong as your crown, and could sustain further damage without the crown to protect it. Your teeth may also shift and move into the space where the crown was, causing the crown to no longer fit properly.
While waiting to meet with your dentist, there are several things you can do to care for the affected area and reduce any discomfort you may experience.
- Gently rinse out your crown with water. Place toothpaste into it, and then replace the crown in your mouth, and gently bite down. This may help to keep the crown in place.
- You may also use over-the-counter dental cement to protect and seal the area over the tooth surface. Please be aware that this can cause additional damage, as you will be unable to clean the overflow of cement. Dental cement can be purchased in the dental section of your pharmacy.
- If you cannot temporarily place the crown into your mouth, keep it in a safe place so that you can give it to your dentist at your appointment.
- You can apply clove oil to the sensitive areas of your mouth using a cotton swab. This will alleviate pain and discomfort. Clove oil can be purchased at a pharmacy or in the spice aisle of most grocery stores.
Do not ever use superglue in your mouth. It is not safe, and can damage your tooth, crown, and your oral health.
We recommend that you make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage and restore your dental crown.
