A few years back, you decided that you were going to get porcelain veneers to cover up imperfections with your smile. While eating breakfast one morning, you feel one of your veneers detach from the tooth. Though you may feel like panicking, there are several steps you can take to get the situation under control. Read on for five steps to follow when a veneer fell off until you can get in to see your dentist.
Step #1: Reach Out to Your Dentist
The first thing you should do after losing a veneer is to call your dentist. They will let you know what to do next and will fit you in as soon as possible. If you’re experiencing any pain, let them know so they can recommend a temporary solution to ease your discomfort. Additionally, if the veneer fell off after hours, their office voicemail might give you instructions on how to proceed.
Step #2: Keep Your Cool
It may be your first instinct to freak out, but keeping your cool is an important part of getting things under control. Take deep breaths to calm yourself and begin looking for the veneer. If you’re able to find it, store the veneer somewhere safe and bring it with you to your appointment. Your dentist may be able to reattach it. If you can’t find it or they aren’t able to reattach it, they will have a replacement veneer made.
Step #3: Don’t Glue the Veneer Back on Yourself
It may be tempting to try to glue the veneers back on yourself, but this could mean bad news for your oral health. Introducing chemicals into your mouth that aren’t intended to be used for dentistry, like the ones found in superglue, can damage your teeth, gums, and other oral tissue. Your dentist is a professional, so wait until they can fix it for you.
Step #4: Be Cautious
Though only a small amount of enamel is removed for veneers t be attached, this can lead to increased tooth sensitivity if the porcelain shell falls off. Try to eat on the other side of your mouth from where the tooth is located and avoid overly hot or cold things as well as any other foods or drinks that may cause discomfort.
Step #5: Use a Temporary Solution
To lessen discomfort from rough tooth enamel, apply a bit of dental wax to the surface of the tooth. This will create a barrier between it and irritants. Over-the-counter pain relievers also help lessen discomfort, but make sure to check with your dentist first if you plan on trying anything new.
If your veneer falls off, make sure to follow the above steps to protect the tooth. Once your dentist can see you, they will repair the tooth and have your smile looking as good as new!
About the Practice
Lakewood Complete Dentistry strives to make patients feel comfortable during treatment by administering compassionate, effective oral health services. Did one of your veneers fall off? If so, they can walk you through how to get the situation under control and schedule an appointment for you to come in and have your smile fixed. To make an appointment or for more information on what to do if you lose a veneer, call Lakewood Complete Dentistry at (303) 238-2800 or visit their website