Everyone looks better with a smile and you have paid a lot of money for yours. And so you can’t help but be disappointed when one of your crowns falls out.
You may wonder if it is considered an emergency. Or if you simply need to get it put back in or replaced at your earliest convenience.
According to an emergency dentist in Charlotte, NC There are a few things you can do to determine Whether or not you need to go to a dentist immediately.
And I’m here to help walk you through the process.
As you might know, I am a bestselling wellness author and recovered anxiety sufferer who founded the popular video course called The Anxiety Cure.
I’m committed to helping people to live calm, happy, healthy lives.
With this in mind I put together this short guide about what to do if you lose a crown.
What to do if you lose a crown?
Study the area of your mouth where the crown fell out
Check to see if…
- the crown is just very loose
- but it has not fallen out of your mouth
- you cannot get it out easily
If the above is true, then you need to see a dentist immediately.
Remember: If the tooth falls out when you are asleep, you could choke.
If you see that…
- the tooth underneath the crown is sharp or jagged
- it could potentially injure the inside of your mouth
Then the above constitutes a dental emergency.
Check to see if…
- the crown simply dropped out of your mouth
- and is in one piece
If the above is true, then you should save it. There is a very good chance that the dentist can simply glue it back in. Although it may not be an emergency in this case, you should see your doctor within about two weeks of losing a crown.
If you lose a crown, be careful when you brush
You should always be very careful when you brush around the affected area. The tooth that is underneath the crown will be very weak and it will need extra care. Be sure to look at it regularly and brush it gently. Exercise extreme caution when you floss. You do not want to do more damage to the tooth or loosen it.
It is best to avoid sticky foods like taffy or caramel. It is also better to stay away from very hot or cold food as the tooth will be sensitive.
Can My Crown Be Glued Back in or Do I Need a New One?
If your crown is not that old and has not been damaged in any way, a dentist should be able to glue it back in. But if it is older or damaged, it will need to be replaced.
If I Lose A Crown, Can I Glue The Tooth Back in Myself?
If a crown is in good shape, you can clean it off and glue it back in with temporary dental cement, just until you can get to a dentist. The temporary dental cement will never be able to hold the crown on a permanent basis.
Dentists have special equipment that they use to glue crowns back in. They will place a material around the tooth to prepare it for the crown and then they will glue the tooth on using dental cement and light to harden it. They may have to modify the crown a bit before putting it in. A trained dental hygienist will be the one to put your crown back in.
When you go to the dentist, they will have a better angle on your mouth than you could ever have on your own.
How Much Will It Cost to Get a Crown Glued Back In?
Sometimes a dentist will replace a crown that they worked on if they did something wrong when putting it on. If It has been over a year, the way you care for your teeth might arguably cause the crown to fall out and they may charge you. The cost may be anywhere from $50 to $1,000 depending on your dentist.
If I Lose A Crown, How Much Will a New Crown Cost?
The average cost of a dental crown is $1,100 to $1,300. The exact cost will depend upon your dentist and the type of material that they use in the crown. It may also have something to do with how much prep work needs to be done to your teeth. You should also check to see if your dental insurance covers any of this.
What if I Cannot Afford a New Crown?
Although dentists do not generally guarantee their work, they do not want you to write them a bad review or complain to the dental board about them. Hence, they will often replace a crown that they have worked on recently.
If your dentist will not replace a tooth for free or if you live far away from the place where you originally got your crown, you will have to buy a new one.
Dental insurance might pay for the crown, but if the tooth is up front where people can see it, The crown may be considered cosmetic dentistry. Oftentimes, insurance policies will not pay for a procedure that is considered cosmetic.
You can look online for a dental loan or you can ask your dentist if they can recommend a company to give you a loan. Dental loans are easier to get than other types of credit.
Are Dental Implants a Good Option?
Dental implants are much more expensive than crowns, but they last for up to 20 years. You will have to undergo dental surgery in order to have an implant put into your mouth. This means they will put you under and Insert the implant into your gum line or your jawbone.
What Happens If I Do Not Replace a Crown?
Crowns are generally put over teeth that have roots on them. Teeth that have root canals done on them are very weak without a crown on them. They will begin to deteriorate. They may crumble into pieces or fall out completely.
When you are missing a tooth, it can lead to bite alignment issues. The teeth that are near the site of the missing tooth can drift into the empty space. You can wear down your jawbone as well. The exposed area can lead to blood infections and heart problems. You may have to get a partial denture to fill the space.
The crown replacement may be costly, but your smile is priceless. It is always the best idea to get a missing crown replaced as soon as possible.
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