Straight Teeth in Less Time
What To Do If Your Dental Crown Is Knocked Loose While Away On Vacation
Lois Murray
Not many things can ruin a vacation as quickly as severe dental pain. Unfortunately, this is exactly what you could find yourself dealing with if your dental crown is knocked loose while you are away from home and unable to visit a dentist. Thankfully, it is possible to reattach this crown on a temporary basis so that you can avoid any serious tooth pain and get back to enjoying your vacation. In order to accomplish this goal, you will need to complete three basic steps.
Step 1: Make Sure The Crown Is Free From Debris
Before reattaching your crown, you will want to make sure that it is free from plaque, food crumbs, and any other debris or bacteria. In order to do this, you will want to brush the crown using a soft toothbrush and some basic toothpaste. Be sure to place a washcloth over the drain in your sink while doing this in order to ensure the crown does not crack or go down the drain if you accidentally drop it. Once you have cleaned the crown, rinse it under warm water and put it on a clean cloth to dry.
Step 2: Thoroughly Brush And Rinse The Tooth
Just as it is important to make sure your crown is clean, you will also need to make sure the tooth you are attaching this crown to is clean as well. In order to do this, you will want to brush the tooth well, paying especially close attention to the gum line. Using an antiseptic mouthwash or warm salt water, you will also want to rinse the area thoroughly in order to make sure no food particles are stuck in between the teeth or along the gums.
Step 3: Attach Crown Using Temporary Adhesive
Most drugstores and big box stores will sell temporary dental adhesive. This adhesive has a consistency that is similar to clay or wet cement. Roll the adhesive into a small ball and place it inside the crown. Position the crown over your tooth and gently bite down until the crown is fully seated on top of the tooth. In order to avoid your crown coming off again, you will want to wait until the adhesive has dried fully before eating or drinking.
A Final Thought
While the simple three-step process above will get you through the rest of your vacation, it is important to remember that this is just a temporary fix. In order to prevent future problems, you will need to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible once you return home.
Contact a local dental office, such as Dr Taylors Family Dental Center, to learn more.
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I had braces when I was a kid. Back then, you had to wear those metal wires and rubber bands for what seemed like forever. When I saw that my child’s teeth were going to be crooked like mine, I was dreading the years of braces and orthodontist appointments and limited diets that I saw stretching ahead of us. I was pleased to find out that braces today are very different from braces when I was a kid. They don’t need to be worn for nearly as long, and they aren’t as intrusive, either. My daughter got braces that can barely be seen, and she can remove them when she eats, so she doesn’t have to give up her favorite foods. I was so impressed that I started a blog to talk about modern day tooth straightening techniques. Braces have come a long way.