What Happens When You Swallow a Chipped Tooth or Crown?

Sometimes, accidents happen, and you might find yourself swallowing a chipped tooth or a crown. The incident raises concerns about potential harm to your digestive system. However, the vast majority of the time, such incidents are not as concerning as they might seem. Here's what you need to know.

Understanding the Digestive Process

When you accidentally swallow a piece of chipped tooth or a crown, it will simply pass through your digestive system. It will be wrapped in feces and eventually excreted with a regular bowel movement. This is a natural part of the digestive process, and the dental piece will not cause any harm as it makes its way through your system.

Clinical Examples and Expert Opinions

The medical community has provided numerous examples where similar incidents occurred, all resulting in a safe passage through the digestive tract. For instance, during her pregnancy, a pregnant woman had to swallow a large open safety pin while diapering her baby. Doctors utilized an x-ray to ensure the safety pin had passed into the stomach, after which a general surgeon followed up to ensure no problems arose over the next three days. The woman in question fully recovered and successfully passed the safety pin, according to the general surgeon.

Another instance involved an individual who had a dental crown fall out. The fortunate individual found the crown in their bed a day later, reflecting the frequency of such occurrences without dire consequences. While it's understandable to feel anxious about potential issues, the reality is, swallowing a small piece of chipped tooth or a crown poses minimal risk, especially compared to more expensive dental work that could require recovery efforts from the excreted material.

What You Should Do

It's still essential to address the chipped tooth or crown with your dentist. Even if the dental piece poses no immediate threat, it’s important to ensure that the surrounding area of the tooth or crown is properly treated. Depending on the size of the piece, your dentist may recommend addressing the gap or chip to prevent any further complications. Regular dental checkups remain crucial to maintain overall oral health and catch any issues early on.

Conclusion

In summary, swallowing a chipped tooth or crown is a common but generally harmless occurrence. It will pass through your digestive system and be eliminated without causing significant harm. While it's normal to feel uneasy about such incidents, the digestive tract is equipped to handle these small objects efficiently. Always follow up with your dentist to ensure proper care and address any ongoing concerns. Remember, regular dental visits are key to maintaining good oral health, even when unexpected accidents happen.