Lost Fillings or Crowns And What To Do.
You bite into a carrot stick and hear this terrible crunching noise, and embarrassingly a dental crown falls out of your mouth. Dr. Guerra, addresses restorative dentistry problems such as the aforementioned situation in his office.
HOW CAN YOU LOSE A FILLING OR CROWN?
Unfortunately, dental restorations, such as fillings or dental crowns, don’t last forever. You can floss several times a day and brush daily with fluoride toothpaste, you can still wind up damaging your dental restoration. Semi-annual check-ups with your dentist can provide the proper insurance against deterioration of fillings and crowns, but unfortunately time, wear and tear and even dental decay can damage teeth, loosening caps and crack fillings. When you add the stresses of biting and chewing or tooth-grinding, you can see how it’s possible for your previous dental work / restoration to deteriorate.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
As soon as you lose a dental restoration, call Dr. Guerra right away so as to avoid pain and additional damage to the tooth or surrounding gums. This is extremely important if decay has settled in underneath the tooth. Plus, a dental crown may no longer fit over a tooth if the size has changed over time. Dr. Guerra and his staff make every reasonable accommodation with same day appointments, if possible.
In the meantime, Dr. Guerra advises protecting the affected tooth to decrease sensitivity, pain, and avoid further damage. Over the counter clove oil can temporarily calm sensitive teeth.
Be sure the damaged tooth is clean and completely dry before attempting to replace a dental cap. Additionally, simple Vaseline (petroleum jelly), or denture adhesive can hold a tooth together while travelling to the dental office.
CONTACT THE OFFICE
While the loss of a crown or filling is not an emergency the way a fractured tooth or dental abscess is, be sure to get to the dentist as soon as possible. In fact, any time you have a question or concern regarding your oral health, feel free to contact Dr. Guerra at 561-844-6146, and his friendly dental team. We’re here to help!
How to Avoid damage!
Besides your at-home dental routine and in-office dental hygiene, following are some tips to keep crowns and fillings in place as long as possible:
1. Always treat all your teeth gently. Whether you have fillings, crowns, dental implants, porcelain veneers or any other cosmetic or restorative dental treatment, avoid eating extra-hard foods such as ice, hard candy and peanut brittle. Also, you should never chew or bite on non-foods such as plastic packaging, bottle caps and pencil tops. Don’t laugh! People have been known to do this.
2. Keep your regular check-ups with Dr. Guerra. He always checks the status of existing dental restorations for signs of decay, wear and damage.
