Crown fell out

suffolkb

My crown had fallen out again.My dentist said that if it happens again (4 times in 2 years) then I may need a new one.Fair enough.She is on holiday until Monday.Should I just eat on one side of my mouth until then or is it ok to eat as usual?
Also,I gag terribly - which is embarrasing for me and not much fun for her.Any suggestions that might help?

Toothsmith

Is it a one dentist practice or is there someone else there who could stick it back temporarily until she gets back?

Don't get it stuck back on with 'permanent' cement, or it may cause problems if she intends to replace it.

To leave it until Monday may not be disasterous, but I couldn't say that for sure without seeing it, so best get it looked at if you can.

As for gagging, there are several distraction techniques the dentist could employ which may help.

You can train your own gag reflex though.

It sounds awful, but the way to do it is to practice.

Poke you finger, or a lolly stick, or a pen into your mouth and make yourself gag. Then do it again, and try and keep the pen/stick/finger there for a tiny bit longer. Control your breathing, and count slowly.

Eventually, you will find you can gain better control of your gag reflex, and it will no longer be a problem.

There's no magic shortcut, but with a bit of work, you can do it.

suffolkb

I`ve been laid off by the local hospital so money is tight.Each time I`ve had the crown replaced,it`s cost £26.Now, thats nearly half a weeks benefit,so I`ll hang on till Monday to see what really needs fixing.
Been trying the pen thing.Most unpleasant,but I`ll keep at it.

Teerah

Suffolkb, why has it cost £26 to replace each time?? I certainly wouldnt charge someone twice in one year for a recement (not that that happens very often!) but if it failed as often as this I would already be on to replacing it, its clearly not functioning as it should. Four times in two years is too much!

suffolkb

I don`t know why it costs £26 - but thats what I get charged.Perhaps because I had the crown put on 3 years ago when I lived in London,so it`s not her handiwork thats coming out.She did warn me though last time that we would be looking at "other options" if it happened again.

Teerah

I assume this is a private practice then. I am still suprised that had taken four fails to bring about looking at making something new, thats all. It may be time to change dentists.

Toothsmith

I've just re-read my gag training advice, and I don't think I was clear enough!

Only do it for a few minutes each day. Don't do it over and over and over or you'll probably be sick!

You've probably realised that though. Either that, or there's a mess on the floor now!

suffolkb

I did it.Only gagged the once.She put the crown back,but said that this is the last time as there seems to be a crack forming.If it comes out again,she will just seal the gap to the gum.

Toothsmith

Why did she not suggest removing the root? If it can't hold a crown it is of little use.

suffolkb

Good question.I`ll ask her when I go for my check-up in December.

starlite_2

Can I ask what is a reasonable time to expect a crown to stay in , and what you should be charged for refitting it?

My OH had two put in after extensive root canal treatment last year, and one fell out a month later. He was charged £17 to have it put back in, which he was quite annoyed about, but paid, but it has happened twice since, and he has been charged everytime. It is beginiing to feel loose again, and I really think, seeing as he has barely a shred of his original tooth for it to go onto that it should have been bridged in the first place.

Many thanks.