During your lunch break, you’re happily munching away at your meal when suddenly, you feel something loose in your mouth. Oh no – your veneer fell off! Your first instinct might be to panic, but don’t worry, these things happen more often than you think. Although the circumstance is certainly unsettling, it’s not dire and doesn’t constitute a dental emergency. But do you know what to do? If not, continue reading for a step-by-step on how to navigate the situation.
Put Your Veneer in a Sealable Container
Find your broken or detached veneer and store it in a clean container. If it’s mostly in one large piece, your cosmetic dentist might be able to save and reattach it. Even if it’s broken, you should collect as many pieces as possible and put them all in the container. What’s important is to keep everything that’s left of your veneer in a safe place!
Contact Your Dentist
Now that you have safely stored your veneer, contact your cosmetic dentist as soon as possible. They’ll provide you with instructions on how to protect the newly exposed underlying tooth. You must follow their advice diligently!
Be Careful While You Wait for Your Appointment
Preparation for porcelain veneers only involves removing a thin layer of enamel from your teeth beforehand. Thus, your tooth is not in immediate or serious danger if your veneer fell off. If anything, you might experience increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks. Some patients report feeling enamel roughness as well, so be careful while eating or drinking!
Use a Temporary Solution If Needed
You should never try and resolve the situation on your own! Otherwise, you could further damage the veneer or your tooth. If you’re having a hard time with sensitivity and enamel roughness, ask your cosmetic dentist for a temporary solution. They might suggest you use dental wax, which can alleviate any discomfort when applied to the surface of your exposed tooth.
Identify the Underlying Cause
During your appointment, your dentist will make sure your mouth is not being irritated by residual pieces. Then, they’ll examine your mouth to identify what caused your veneer to fail.
There are several reasons why veneers fall off, including:
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Poor chewing habits
- Incorrect placement
- Damage or decay to the underlying tooth
- Improper bonding
Repair or Replace Your Veneer
If your veneer is in good condition, your cosmetic dentist might be able to reattach it. They could even repair it with composite resin depending on the damage. However, that’s not necessarily ideal since the material isn’t as durable as porcelain. In that case, it’s simply best to order a replacement.
If your veneer fell off, don’t panic – take a deep breath and follow the steps outlined above! With the help of your cosmetic dentist, your smile will be back to normal in no time!
About the Practice
At Tylan Creek Family Dentistry, we’re committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive services that are guaranteed to leave you smiling. Our team is on call 24/7, meaning we’ll give you exceptional dental care when you need it most. If your veneer fell off, contact us and we’ll resolve your situation as fast as possible. Visit our website or call our office to schedule an appointment.