Veneer Knocked Loose? Here Are the 3 Simple Things to Do Straight Away!
Posted on: 27 September 2018
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Veneers are one of the best ways to cover up a multitude of teeth problems, including chipped teeth, discoloured teeth and spaces between the teeth. While veneers usually last a decade or more with good care, accidents do happen sometimes. If you have an accident that dislodges your veneer, it's important to respond in the right way for the sake of your oral health. Here are the three things you should always do as soon as your veneer is knocked out of your mouth.
1. Act Fast
When your veneer falls out, you need to contact your dentist straight away. When your dentist originally placed the veneer on your tooth, they had to remove some of your tooth enamel to ensure good adhesion. However, this means that without all of its protective enamel, your inner tooth is far more vulnerable to decay should that veneer come off. By acting fast, you can avoid bacteria exposure that would otherwise happen very quickly with a lack of enamel.
2. Don't Touch
When your veneer is gone, it might seem natural to touch your tooth whilst examining it closely. However, any touch can quickly introduce bacteria to your delicate inner tooth. Additionally, it could be incredibly painful to touch your exposed tooth, so it's best to leave it alone. This no-touch rule also applies to substances: don't use mouthwash or any other type of mouth rinse. If you're bleeding, you can gently rinse your mouth with lukewarm water.
3. Keep Your Veneer
If you can locate your veneer when it comes loose, pick it up and bring it along to the dentist with you. This applies even if your veneer is chipped or broken, as it might be possible for your dentist to repair it. However, even if your veneer is lost or irreparable, your dentist can immediately create a new mould to make another custom veneer.
Whilst your veneer is being fabricated in the laboratory, usually taking no more than a few weeks at most, your dentist can provide you with a temporary veneer to protect your tooth. You can't treat a temporary veneer like a permanent one, as it's more delicate and isn't as firmly affixed to the tooth. Therefore, you'll need to use caution whilst eating if you're wearing a temporary veneer.
If your veneer is ever dislodged, you now know the simple three things to do: act fast, don't touch your tooth and keep the loose veneer. Contact your local dentist to get veneer help today!