Dental TipCrowns or Caps, Onlays and Inlays Tips
Crowns or Caps, Onlays and Inlays Tips
- If you have had a crown or other ceramic restoration fall out you may be able to temporarily fix it back in yourself. If the crown fits back on snuggly then a temporary cement such as Toofypegs or Den Tek which is available online or from your local pharmacy may do the trick. (We can supply you with a Den Tek kit also). Only attempt to do this if the crown is a firm fit. If the crown no longer feels like it fits well do not attempt to recement it as you don’t want to run the risk of swallowing it or worse still inhaling it.
- If it is a post and crown that has fallen out you may be able to fill the post hole in the root with temporary cement to stop anything getting into the root. Sometimes with a post and crown that has fallen out you can wedge the post back into the root by wrapping a small amount of cling film around the post and then pushing it firmly into the hole in the root. Again be careful to ensure that it’s a firm fit to avoid any risks of swallowing etc.
- If all fails make sure the tooth left behind is kept very clean, make sure you have a low sugar diet to reduce the risk of it decaying and place a blob of toothpaste on the tooth after you have cleaned it, particularly at night. The fluoride in the toothpaste, particularly if it’s a Sensitive toothpaste should help to make the tooth more comfortable.
- If you cannot recement the crown keep it in a safe place and when we are allowed to see patients again bring it in with you and hopefully we can reuse it.
- Remember that you can always call the practice for advice and you will be able to speak to your own dentist if you are unsure about what to do.
A Little Reminder
Lastly a little reminder of a few things that will make the coming weeks kinder on your teeth and gums:
- Make sure you brush twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride. Ensure you don’t rinse out the toothpaste after brushing as it has much more of a beneficial effect if it is left on the teeth
- Clean in between your teeth EVERY day with either floss, TePes or other cleaning aids that you have been shown by your dentist or hygienist
- Reduce sugar intake in food or drink to just 4 times a day. Your teeth should be able to cope with that. Any more frequent and your risk of developing tooth decay increases dramatically. If you allow tooth decay to develop, it can lead to problems including toothache! The effect of any sugary food and drink on your teeth lasts for up to an hour so be careful and look out for hidden sugars
- Bleeding from your mouth when you brush your teeth is usually because your gums are inflamed – you need to try and determine where the bleeding is coming from and clean more in that area not less.
We hope that you find these tips helpful. Let’s hope that you don’t need to use any of them. If you do, don’t forget that we are on the other end of the phone to give you further advice on 01293 782772 where you will be directed to your dentist for a telephone consultation.
