Dental veneers are designed to stand the test of time. In fact, with proper care, many Abington patients find that their veneers last for a decade or longer. However, they do not last forever, and there is always the slight possibility that one of your veneers might fall off. If that ever happens to you, what should you do? This blog post provides some practical tips to help you deal with the situation.

Find the Veneer and Call Your Dentist

Try to find your veneer, and then carefully rinse it off. Then, find a safe place to store it, perhaps in a small plastic case with a lid or a small resealable bag. Saving the veneer is important because if it is not damaged, there is a chance that it can be reattached to your tooth.

The next thing you should do is call your dentist. Even though a lost veneer is not the most urgent emergency, they will still make efforts to book an appointment for you as soon as possible. They can also provide guidance to help you care for your exposed tooth until you are able to receive professional care.

Be Careful with Your Tooth

It is standard practice for a bit of tooth enamel to be removed during the veneers process. Therefore, your exposed tooth might be extra sensitive and have a rough texture. Because it is vulnerable to stimuli, try to avoid eating any foods that might irritate it, such as hot, cold, spicy, and acidic items. A diet of soft items with mild flavors would be best.

Also, be sure to stick to a good oral hygiene routine while you are waiting for your dental appointment. Keeping the tooth clean can do much to protect it from harm.

Do Not Attempt a DIY Repair

In an effort to save time or money, some people have mistakenly believed they could reattach their veneer on their own with superglue or other common materials. Such items are not designed to be used in the mouth, so they are unlikely to keep your veneer in place for very long. Plus, they often contain toxic ingredients that have no business being in your mouth.

If you wish to cover your exposed tooth, you can place a bit of orthodontic wax on it. This may make you more comfortable until your dental appointment.

See Your Dentist

When you arrive for your dental appointment, your dentist will examine your mouth in order to determine why your veneer failed. Afterward, they can recommend a treatment plan.

• If your veneer fell off because the adhesive keeping it in place failed, your dentist may just reattach the veneer.
• If the veneer failed because it was old or damaged, you might need to purchase an entirely new veneer.
• If the veneer fell off due to a problem with your underlying tooth, you may need restorative treatment before you can get a new veneer. If the tooth is badly damaged, you might not be able to get a veneer at all. Instead, you may need a crown.

It can be bothersome to lose a veneer! Thankfully, your dentist is ready to help you restore your smile’s beauty and confidence.

Meet the Practice

At Abington Family Dental Care, we are proud to offer veneers, veneer maintenance, and many other cosmetic services. If you would like to learn more about this treatment and how to care for its results, we would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our friendly team at 781-780-2658.