Although losing a crown or filling can be frightening, is it necessarily a dental emergency? In a nutshell, it depends. Even though not all cases need to be treated right at once, ignoring the problem can lead to infection or more dental damage. Let’s see what you have to do in this typical dental predicament.
Function of Crowns and Fillings
Crowns and dental fillings are essential for tooth protection. They help with restoring the appearance and functionality of teeth that have deteriorated or been damaged. Crowns offer weak teeth structural support, while fillings close cavities and stop bacterias from causing more decay. Your teeth may become vulnerable if you lose them, therefore you must act quickly.
What Calls For a Dental Emergency?
While not every misplaced crown or filling necessitates an urgent dental appointment, there are several signs that say prompt attention is required. The following circumstances qualify as emergencies:
- The exposed tooth may be in danger if you’re feeling intense pain or sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet meals.
- You can experience excruciating pain if the tooth’s nerves are exposed due to a missing filling or crown.
- In order to stop additional harm, the tooth beneath needs immediate attention if it is cracked or shattered.
- Infection symptoms, including swelling, bleeding, or pus need prompt dental attention.
- Difficulties during eating or speaking. It’s advisable to get help right away if the lost restoration is interfering with everyday activities.
How Should You Proceed If You Lose a Crown or Filling?
To preserve your tooth until you visit a dentist, do the following actions if you unexpectedly lose a filling or crown.
- Keep the lost crown or filling if you can. It will be possible for a dentist to put it back.
- To get rid of debris and clean bacteria, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- Apply dental cement – Temporary dental cement, which can be bought from pharmacies, can shield the exposed area until you receive professional care from an emergency dentist in Cedar Park.
- To avoid aggravating the condition, limit your intake of hot, cold, or sticky foods and instead stick to soft ones.
- Until you visit a dentist, over-the-counter painkillers will help bear the pain.
How Common Is This Issue?
Did you know that missing crowns or fillings account for over 15% of dental emergencies? This is caused by a variety of circumstances, such as wearing down with age, not practicing good oral hygiene, or eating foods that are hard and sticky and can cause restorations to come loose.
Even though a missing crown or filling isn’t usually an urgent situation, it should never be disregarded. Get dental care immediately if you feel pain, sensitivity, or infection symptoms. Making a dentist appointment as soon as possible will help avoid more issues, even in less urgent situations.
