Short Answer: If you accidentally swallow a dental crown, it is not a serious medical emergency, but you should contact your dentist and a medical professional as soon as possible.
A dental crown is a cap or covering for an existing tooth.
It can improve the way a decayed or broken tooth looks and make it stronger.
Crowns can be made from different materials, such as ceramic, metal, or a combination of the two.
If you accidentally swallow a dental crown, it is not a serious medical emergency.
Most likely, the crown will pass through your digestive system without causing any harm.
However, you should contact your dentist and a medical professional as soon as possible to get an x-ray and monitor the situation.
This is because a dental crown is not digestible and may get stuck in your intestine or cause other complications.
A crown may also enter your respiratory system and cause choking or breathing problems.
If you have any signs of pain, fever, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, you should seek immediate medical attention.
The material of the crown can affect how it behaves in your body.
Ceramic crowns are more likely to break into smaller pieces, while metal crowns are more durable and visible on x-rays.
Some metals, such as gold, are inert and do not react with your body fluids, while others, such as nickel, may cause allergic reactions or corrosion.
It is quite uncommon to swallow a dental crown, but it can happen if the crown is loose or falls off while you are eating or drinking.
You may not notice the crown in your mouth until you have swallowed it with your food or drink.
You can try to retrieve the crown by making yourself vomit or searching for it in your bowel movements.
However, these methods are not pleasant and may not be successful.
You should always consult with your dentist and a medical professional before attempting to do so.
If you manage to find the crown, you should clean it thoroughly and store it in a safe place until you can see your dentist.
To avoid accidentally swallowing a dental crown, you should check your crown regularly and visit your dentist if it feels loose or uncomfortable.
You should also avoid eating hard or sticky foods that may dislodge the crown.
If your crown comes off, you should keep it in a secure container and contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Finally, remember, a dental crown is a valuable restoration that can protect and enhance your tooth.
If you swallow a dental crown, do not panic, but seek professional help and advice.
You may be able to save the crown and have it recemented, or you may need a new one.
Either way, your dentist can help you restore your smile and oral health.