Introduction
As an oral physician, I often get asked, “What happens if I swallow my dental crown or appliance?” It’s not as uncommon as you might think! Whether it’s a crown, bridge, or even a partial denture, accidents happen. This blog is your go-to guide on what to do if you accidentally swallow a dental crown, why it happens, how to prevent it, and what steps to take before reaching emergency care. Let’s dive in!
How Does Swallowing a Dental Crown Happen?
Swallowing a dental crown or appliance is possible in specific situations:
- Eating Sticky or Hard Foods: Chewing sticky candies (like caramel or toffee) or hard foods (like nuts or crusty bread) can dislodge a crown, especially if it’s loose or poorly cemented. You might not notice it’s off until—oops—it’s gone down the hatch!
- Flossing Mishaps: Aggressive flossing can sometimes pop off a crown, particularly if it’s already weak or the cement has worn down.
- Root Canal Treated Teeth: Teeth treated with root canal therapy (RCT) are more brittle and prone to fracture. If a crown is on an RCT-treated tooth, chewing hard food on that side might crack the tooth, loosening the crown and increasing the risk of swallowing it.
- Loose or Temporary Crowns: Temporary crowns or poorly fitted permanent ones are more likely to come off unexpectedly during eating or even talking.
Prevention Tips: How to Avoid Swallowing a Dental Crown
Prevention is always better than panic! Here’s what you can do:
- Avoid Chewing Hard Foods on That Side: If you have a crown, especially on an RCT-treated tooth, steer clear of nuts, ice, or hard candies on that side. Those brittle teeth can’t handle the pressure!
- Be Gentle with Sticky Foods: Skip the taffy or chewing gum until your crown is secure.
- Check Your Crown Regularly: If it feels loose, don’t delay—visit your dentist ASAP.
- Floss Carefully: Use a gentle sawing motion instead of snapping the floss out.
- Follow-Up on Temporary Crowns: These are more fragile, so treat them with extra care until your permanent crown is placed.
Two Major Possibilities (Plus One More) When You Swallow a Dental Crown
If you’ve swallowed a dental crown, three things could happen. Here’s what to watch for and how to respond:
Airway Choking (Windpipe Blockage)
- What Happens: The crown gets stuck in your windpipe, causing choking—a medical emergency!
- What to Do (Self): If you’re alone, perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself: Make a fist, place it above your navel, grab it with your other hand, and thrust inward and upward.
- What to Do (Nearby Person): Ask someone to perform the Heimlich maneuver—stand behind you, wrap their arms around your waist, and thrust upward under your ribcage.
Heimlich maneuver
- Next Step: Call 911 or head to the ER immediately, even if the choking stops, to ensure no damage.
Food Pipe Choking (Esophagus Blockage)
- What Happens: The crown lodges in your esophagus, causing pain, difficulty swallowing, or a “stuck” feeling in your chest.
- What to Do: Don’t panic. Avoid eating or drinking until you see a doctor. Head to the ER—they may use an X-ray to locate it and remove it with an endoscope if needed.
Completely Swallowed (Into the Stomach)
- What Happens: The crown passes through your esophagus into your stomach and eventually your intestines. This is the most common outcome for small crowns.
- What to Do Before Emergency Care:
- Monitor Symptoms: Watch for abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. If you feel fine, it might pass naturally.
- Laxative Foods: Eat high-fiber foods like prunes, bran cereal, or leafy greens to help it move through your system. Avoid forcing it with laxatives unless a doctor advises.
- Check Your Stool: It may take 1-3 days to pass. Look for it (yes, really!) to confirm it’s out.
- When to Seek Help: If you experience severe pain, fever, or it doesn’t pass in a few days, see a doctor—they might order an X-ray.
In Case It’s Not Swallowed: What to Do If the Crown Comes Into Your Mouth
- It’s Loose, Not Swallowed: If your dental crown pops off into your mouth or hand instead of being swallowed or choked on, stay calm—it’s a different challenge!
- Don’t Play Dentist: Avoid fixing it yourself with over-the-counter adhesives (like superglue or random dental cement)—some can burn your gums or cause irritation.
- No Home Tools: Don’t grab pliers or household items to “tighten” or manipulate the crown—you might damage it or hurt yourself.
- Clean It Gently: Rinse the crown with plain water to remove saliva or food bits, keeping it clean for your dentist.
- Store It Safely: Pop it into a small ziplock bag or a clean container with a splash of water or saline (like contact lens solution) to keep it moist—don’t let it dry out, as it could affect the fit later.
- Call Your Dentist ASAP: Contact your dentist right away to book an appointment—they’ll check the tooth and re-cement or replace the crown professionally.
- Extra Tip: If your crown keeps coming loose, it might hint at decay, a bad fit, or an issue with the tooth underneath—don’t brush it off, get it checked!
Treatment and Management: The Role of Your Dentist and You
Before Reaching Emergency Care
- Stay calm and assess your symptoms.
- Don’t try to induce vomiting—it could make things worse.
- Call your dentist to report the incident and get advice tailored to your situation.
At the ER or Dentist
- If it’s in your airway or esophagus, medical staff will prioritize removal.
- If it’s in your stomach, your dentist may recommend replacing the crown and monitoring its passage. They’ll check the underlying tooth (especially if it’s RCT-treated) for fractures or damage.
Avoiding Future Incidents
- Your Role: Stick to soft foods until the crown is replaced, and follow prevention tips religiously.
- Dentist’s Role: Ensure proper crown fit, use strong cement, and reinforce RCT-treated teeth with posts or cores if needed.
Conclusion
Swallowing a dental crown can be scary, but knowing what to do can make all the difference. Whether it’s choking, esophageal blockage, or a trip through your digestive system, quick action and prevention are key. As an oral physician, I urge you to treat your crowns with care—because nobody wants an unexpected “treasure hunt” in their stomach! Reach out to your dentist promptly, and you’ll be smiling confidently again in no time.
Q&A: Common Questions About Swallowing a Dental Crown
Q: Can swallowing a dental crown harm me?
A: Usually, no—it’ll pass naturally if it reaches your stomach. But choking or esophageal blockage requires immediate attention.
Q: How long does it take to pass a swallowed crown?
A: Typically 1-3 days, depending on your digestion. Fiber-rich foods can speed it up.
Q: Should I replace the crown right away?
A: Yes, after confirming it’s safely out of your system. Your dentist will assess the tooth and fit a new one.
Q: What if my RCT-treated tooth broke when the crown came off?
A: See your dentist immediately—brittle RCT teeth are prone to fracture and may need repair or extraction.
Q: Can I prevent swallowing a dental crown entirely?
A: Not 100%, but avoiding hard/sticky foods and maintaining regular dental checkups drastically reduce the risk.
Final Notes for Patients
Swallowing a dental crown doesn’t have to be a disaster. Armed with this guide, you’ll know exactly what to do if it happens to you. Have more questions? Drop them in the comments or ask your dentist—I’m here to help you keep your smile safe and sound!