When Dr. Shelly Ereth Barone initially installed your crown it was designed to stand the test of time. Unfortunately, there are times when something like a blow to the face, or the pervasive bacteria associated gum disease can compromise the cement anchoring the crown or damage the abutment.
If one of your crowns falls out or is otherwise lost, you need to call Dr. Shelly Ereth Barone as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.
In the meantime, there are a few common first aid considerations to keep in mind to help you take care of your lost crown and the abutment that previously anchored it.
Do not attempt clean the abutment or the crown. This could potentially cause damage to the abutment and exacerbate the problem. You can gently rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water if a blow to the face left blood or debris in your mouth. Any other cleaning measures should be left to the experienced hands of Dr. Shelly Ereth Barone.
If the crown fell out because pervasive bacteria weakened the cement securing it to the abutment, you will see the abutment sticking out from your gums. It should look like a small nub of tooth or dull gray metal. In a situation like this the crown will also be completely hollow. Sometimes Dr. Shelly Ereth Barone can simply cement the crown back into place.
If the abutment broke off at the gum line or has been otherwise damaged, you should see some or all of it inside the crown. When this happens Dr. Shelly Ereth Barone often has to perform a root canal to restore enough structure to secure the crown back in place.
If you have a damaged, or broken crown has you need to call Dr. Shelly Ereth Barone as soon as possible at 504-832-1164 to schedule an appointment.
