I had a root canal treatment on my lower left tooth, but the cap has come off now. Is this something urgent, and what should I do to protect the tooth until I see the dentist?
If the cap on your root canal-treated tooth comes off, try not to wait too long before seeing your dentist. After a root canal, the tooth is weaker, and the cap protects it from cracking, infection, and damage while you chew. A cap can come loose because of weak cement, eating hard foods, grinding your teeth, or normal wear over time. Until you can visit your dentist, avoid chewing on that side and avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods. Keep the area clean by brushing gently and rinsing your mouth after meals. If you still have the cap and it is undamaged, keep it safe and bring it to your dental appointment, as it may be possible to reattach it. Do not try to glue the cap back yourself, as this could harm your tooth or gums. Make an appointment with your dentist soon, especially if you notice pain, swelling, sensitivity, a bad smell, or trouble chewing. Waiting too long can increase the risk of the tooth breaking or getting infected.