It always seems to happen at the worst times… a crown comes off during dinner out on a Friday night; a teen’s lip is badly bitten in a Saturday morning soccer game; a baseball knocks a tooth out on a Sunday afternoon.
These dental mishaps, while fortunately not frequent occurrences, always seem to occur when the dental office is closed, often for the weekend. However, there are things you can do to lessen the severity and improve the outcomes.
What do I do if a dental crown (“cap”) comes off?
A crown is a custom-designed ceramic shell made to cover a natural tooth. They are typically placed to protect the health of the remaining structure of a natural tooth. A crown is often recommended when a tooth has developed cracks, breaks, or cavity repair is required for too much of the tooth structure.
Porcelain crowns are ‘cemented’ in place with a special adhesive. This substance is designed to secure the crown for most normal functions, such as eating, biting and flossing. However, its unique makeup allows the dentist to remove the crown, if needed, without being destructive to the tooth structure. Certain things can occasionally dislodge the crown, such as eating ice, an injury to the mouth, or night-time grinding.
If you lose a crown, there are measures you can take to protect the tooth structure and temporarily hold the crown in place until you are seen in our Shelby Township dental office.
• As soon as the crown comes off, rinse it while holding carefully. Place the crown in a hard container (such as one that holds a retainer or mouth guard or even a clean pill bottle). Rinse the mouth gently with lukewarm water. Call our office immediately to schedule a time to have the crown re-cemented. If it is after our normal business hours, the recording will instruct you on after-hours communications.
• Until you can be seen, you can temporarily secure the crown with a putty-like dental cement sold in most drug stores. This material can temporarily hold crowns in place but cannot endure normal function. Therefore, it is advised to avoid chewing in the area of the crown. Brush the area gently and floss only in a downward motion to avoid dislodging the crown again.
• Another option is to apply petroleum jelly to the inside of the crown. This will provide some help in holding it in place, although for a brief time. Avoid chewing on the side of the crown, even if the crown is not in position.
• NEVER use “super” glues (or any other household or industrial glues) to reattach your crown! These products often contain highly-toxic ingredients that can leak into your mouth and get into your system. And, because these glues are designed for ‘permanent’ adhesion, the tooth can be damaged during removal and the crown easily broken during the process. (Thus, a new crown will be required.)
If the crown is no longer available after its dislodged, your remaining tooth structure may be sensitive to hot or cold. If so, you can cover the area with a layer of the drug store dental cement. This will shield the remaining tooth structure and cover sensitive nerves. Again, avoid chewing in that area, brush gently, and floss in a downward motion only.
What do I do if a tooth is knocked out?
Tooth re-implantation is possible with quick response. This means protecting the ligament that holds the tooth in place so the dental pulp does not start to die. Fibers can then reattach, and the blood vessels and pulp tissue can continue to grow and support the tooth.
The first step is to apply pressure to the area of any bleeding. The rescued tooth should be immediately placed in milk or water — do not attempt to clean it or handle it. If the tooth can be comfortably held within its socket, it can stay the socket unless there is a risk it will be swallowed. (A young child should not be expected to do this.)
Contact our dental office as quickly as possible or make arrangements with a nearby dental office to be seen quickly. The dentist will probably begin with imaging (X-rays) to determine the extent of damage as well as perform an oral examination and discuss the potential for reattachment.
Saving the tooth may not be possible. If not, we can discuss ways to replace the tooth in a timely manner.
How do I get through the weekend with a toothache?
First, clean the area around the aching tooth by gently swishing with warm, salty water. Contrary to what some believe, do NOT place an aspirin or other pain reliever on the gums or the aching tooth. If you feel food is trapped between the affected tooth and its neighbor, carefully ease dental floss between them using a downward motion to dislodge caught particles.
If swelling of the face has occurred, use a cold compress for 15 minutes on and 15 off until swelling subsides. Take acetaminophen for pain and call our Macomb County dental office for instructions. If after normal hours, you will be instructed on how to reach us.
How do I get a bitten lip to stop bleeding?
For a bitten or cut tongue, lip, or cheek that is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. You can minimize bleeding by applying a cold compress to the area for 15 minutes, then rest for 15. Do this for an hour. However, bleeding that continues after 15 minutes or is not controlled by simple pressure needs prompt attention at an urgent care center or emergency room.
Regardless of your dental need, our Shelby Twp dental office is available for all dental needs, including tooth replacement (including dental implants), repairs, and cosmetic dentistry. We also offer exceptional comfort options, including oral and IV sedation.
For a free consultation or a prompt new patient appointment call 586-739-2155 or tap HERE to begin. We always welcome new patients.
You’re invited to get to know us through a brief tour at: DrBarbatOfficeTour
Our office is open and accepting new patients! Please send us an email using the form below or please call us at 586-739-2155.
