After having metal posts inserted into your gums in preparation for your new dental implant crowns, your dentist may have placed a temporary crown while the tissue heals. However, the crown may have fallen off while you were eating. If so, use the following tips to take care of your crown and the metal post abutment until you can see your dentist.

Wrap The Temporary Crown In Gauze

If you can find your temporary crown, do not try to replace it on the post yourself. This should only be done by your dentist to ensure they are placed properly and do not damage the abutment or your gums.

Instead, wash and dry the crown in water, then wrap it in thick gauze. This will keep it protected from scratches or cracking until your dentist can look at it and see if it can be reused.

Avoid Chewing Food Around The Metal Post

Especially while your gums are still healing, you should avoid chewing food on the side of your mouth where the temporary crown was dislodged. Since the tissue and metal post are no longer protected by the crown, the pressure of chewing food directly over the procedure site could cause damage to your gum, as well as potentially knock out the post.

Also, you may want to try eating soft foods that do not require a lot of chewing until you see your dentist. Even if you try to be careful about not using the area around the abutment, you may forget and accidentally do so. Eating only soft foods can help minimize the risk of damage.

Rinse Your Mouth With Salt Water

After each meal, you should still brush your teeth to remove any food particles and germs. However, as an added precaution, you may also want to rinse your mouth with salt water to kill any bacteria that may start to grow around the exposed metal abutment. This could help you keep it from becoming infected.

In a small glass, mix together a teaspoon of table salt with a quarter of a cup of warm water. Then, rinse your mouth for about a half a minute. Repeat this after every meal, as well as when you first get up in the morning and before going to bed at night.

Using the tips above can help protect your temporary crown and keep your metal post abutment clean and germ-free while you wait for your appointment. However, if you notice any swelling or pain around the dental implant site, you should call your dentist to seek their advice and discuss your options.

For more information, you will want to contact Rose City Dental Care.