Swallowing a crown, whether a dental crown or a literal crown, is a concerning event requiring immediate attention. While the immediate outcome might seem dramatic, the long-term effects depend heavily on the type of crown and your individual health. Let's break down the potential scenarios and address common concerns.
What Kind of Crown Are We Talking About?
This is the crucial first question. We're dealing with two vastly different situations:
- Dental Crown: This is a small, tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged tooth. These are typically made of porcelain, metal (gold, alloys), or a combination.
- A Royal Crown (or similar object): This is a much larger, and potentially more dangerous, object.
The consequences of swallowing each are drastically different.
What Happens If You Swallow a Dental Crown?
Swallowing a dental crown, while unexpected, is usually not a life-threatening event. Most dental crowns are small enough to pass through your digestive system without causing significant issues. However:
- Sharp Edges: If the crown has sharp edges or is broken, it could potentially scratch the lining of your esophagus or intestines. This could lead to discomfort, bleeding, or even minor perforation (a hole in the lining).
- Obstruction: While unlikely, a larger or oddly shaped dental crown might become lodged in your esophagus or intestines, causing a blockage. This requires immediate medical attention.
- No Symptoms: In many cases, a person might swallow a dental crown and experience absolutely no symptoms. It will simply pass through their system naturally.
What to Do:
If you swallow a dental crown, monitor yourself for any symptoms like pain, discomfort when swallowing, or abdominal pain. If you experience any of these, seek medical attention immediately. Otherwise, the crown will likely pass uneventfully.
What if the crown gets stuck?
An obstructed crown requires immediate medical attention. A doctor will likely use endoscopy to remove the crown. This procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end to locate and retrieve the object.
What Happens If You Swallow a Larger Crown (Like a Figurative Crown)?
Swallowing a larger, non-dental crown—perhaps a decorative piece—presents a much more serious risk. These objects are significantly larger and more likely to cause:
- Esophageal or Intestinal Obstruction: This is a major concern. A blockage can prevent food and liquids from passing through your digestive system, leading to serious complications.
- Internal Injury: The object might scratch or puncture the lining of your esophagus or intestines, causing internal bleeding or infection.
- Choking: If the object gets lodged in your airway, it can cause choking, which is a life-threatening emergency.
What to Do:
If you or someone else swallows a large object, seek immediate medical attention. Do not attempt to induce vomiting. This can potentially worsen the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a swallowed dental crown cause infection?
While unlikely, a broken or sharp-edged crown could potentially cause a minor infection if it scrapes the lining of your digestive tract. However, most healthy individuals' digestive systems can handle this without issue.
Will I need surgery if I swallow a dental crown?
Surgery is usually unnecessary unless the crown becomes lodged and causes a blockage requiring intervention. Most dental crowns pass through the digestive system without any complications.
Should I tell my doctor if I accidentally swallow a dental crown?
It's a good idea to inform your doctor, especially if you experience any symptoms or concerns. This allows them to monitor the situation and provide appropriate advice.
How long does it take for a swallowed dental crown to pass?
The time it takes for a dental crown to pass through your system varies. It could take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
In conclusion, swallowing a dental crown is generally not a major cause for concern, provided it's small and passes through naturally. However, swallowing a larger object requires immediate medical attention. Always prioritize seeking medical advice if you experience any symptoms or have concerns after swallowing any object.
