Do I Need to See an Emergency Dentist for a Broken Crown?

Dental Crowns last for years, often lasting longer than the tooth they are covering, but accidents can happen that cause a dental crown to break or fall out. Depending on the situation of whether you’re in pain or not, it can be considered a dental emergency if you need immediate dental care.

As your local family dentist near Allen, TX, Dr. Feng and her experienced team are here to help and explain what steps you need to take if your temporary or permanent dental crown breaks or falls off.

Not sure what to do with a broken crown?

People have different tolerances for pain. While a broken dental crown or may not cause intense pain in one person, it could for another. If you’re unsure of what to do, call an emergency dentist or your local family dentist as soon as possible. Tell them what happened and ask any questions you may have about your dental crown.

A good emergency dentist like Dr. Feng will be able to answer questions, alleviate concerns and make recommendations based on the specific case. It is better to be safe than sorry by contacting your dentist right after the crown breaks or falls off.

WHAT TO DO AFTER LOSING OR BREAKING YOUR CROWN – STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

It’s important to understand that you need not be alarmed if your dental crown breaks or your temporary crown has fallen out. If you are in severe discomfort, you may consider seeing an emergency dentist right away for treatment, as it could be a sign of more serious oral health concerns.

Check the severity of the issue. The best way to do this is to find a mirror rather than simply feeling around with the tongue. Assess the damage to see if there are sharp edges that can cut the inside of your mouth.
Whether your crown is broken or fallen out of your mouth, retrieve it and keep it for the dentist. Depending on the treatment required, it may be possible to reattach it instead of making a new one.
Call your local Allen dentist at (972) 468-1440 to schedule your appointment. Tell us what happened, and Dr. Feng will see you as soon as she can.
If you are bleeding, place a piece of gauze to apply pressure to the damaged tooth.
If you are experiencing pain related to a broken or lost crown, there are many over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief options, such as ibuprofen. A topical pain reliever like Orajel can also be used.
Avoid hot or cold foods as you may experience tooth sensitivity if your tooth pulp is exposed.
Gently rinse your mouth out with a warm glass of salt water to keep bacteria away and soothe any irritation.

How are broken crowns repaired?

Your treatment depends on the severity of the damage and situation. For example, a small chip can be repaired with resin. On the other hand, if the crown has a large crack, you may require a temporary crown before a permanent crown can be placed. If the dental crown falls off, Dr. Feng will try to reattach it if it isn’t damaged.

Why did my dental crown break?

Dental crowns are strong, but like your natural teeth, it can be damaged just like normal teeth. Here are some of the common reasons why your dental crown can break.

Force trauma to the area – Getting hit in the mouth may cause damage to your crown resulting in breaking off.
Grinding your teeth (bruxism) – Dental crowns provide a sturdy foundation for your teeth and protect them from further damage, but they are not as durable as natural teeth. While dental crowns are made of strong materials, even a crown can be weakened if worn all the time or under severe physical stress. Wearing braces or grinding your teeth can cause erosion in dental crowns, so always wear your protective night guard when you go to bed.
Tooth structure becomes weakened – If the tooth wears down or becomes weakened, the crown can become loose.
Normal wear and tear – While dental crowns consist of strong and durable materials, the dental cement that holds them in place may eventually wear away and fall off. We can easily address this issue by cementing your crown back in place.
Tooth decay – While crowns are made of strong materials, their design often leaves them undamaged by acids in the mouth. A crown can be damaged if tooth decay occurs underneath the crown, where the bacterial will grow into your natural tooth, eventually destroying it.
Eating sticky foods – In general, people with dental crowns are advised to avoid eating sticky foods. The stickiness of these foods can damage a crown and make it fall out. If your crown comes out, we will need to re-cement it into place.

How to prevent damaging a dental crown

Dental crowns are a long-lasting way to protect damaged teeth and improve appearance. When given proper care, they can last a lifetime. To keep them in top shape, be sure to brush, floss, and use mouthwash daily. If possible, avoid eating hard foods and chew that may damage the tooth or dental crown. Also, remember to visit the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

Broken Dental crown? Dental crown fell off?

At Sloan Creek Dental, we’re happy to provide comprehensive dental care, and if your crown is broken or it fell out. To schedule a dental appointment, call our Fairview dental office (972) 468-1440 to schedule a dental appointment.