If you’re reading this, chances are your dental crowns have suddenly decided to give up on you. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! You may be wondering what steps to take next and how quickly you can get back that sparkling smile. Well, fear not – in this post we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about a broken crown and what options are available for restoring your pearly whites. So sit tight and let’s dive into the world of dental crowns together!
What is a Dental Crown?
Not sure what a dental crown is? A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth. They are also used to restore broken or severely worn-down teeth. In addition, crowns can be placed on top of dental implants to provide a natural-looking replacement for a missing tooth.
While most crowns are made from porcelain or ceramic, they can also be made from gold, metal, or resin material. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are the most popular choice because they most closely resemble the color and translucency of natural teeth. Gold and metal crowns are typically used on back teeth because they are more durable for chewing. Resin crowns are usually less expensive than other types of crowns but don’t last as long.
Crowns are usually cemented onto existing teeth or implants with special dental adhesives. In some cases, they may be held in place by being clipped onto adjacent teeth. It’s important to take care of your crowned teeth just as you would your natural ones by brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. With proper care, your new dental crown should last for many years!
5 Tips on What to Do If Your Dental Crown Breaks
Here are five things you can do if your dental crown breaks. Just have a look!
Step 1: Contact Your Dentist Immediately
If you have a dental crown that breaks, it’s important to contact your dentist right away. There are a few reasons for this. First, a broken dental crown can be painful. Second, a broken crown can cause damage to your underlying tooth. And third, a broken crown can provide an opening for bacteria to enter your tooth, which can lead to an infection.
Your dentist will likely want to see you right away so that they can assess the damage and determine the best course of treatment. In some cases, the dentist may be able to simply re-attach the crown. But in other cases, the dentist may need to replace the entire crown.
No matter what, it’s important to get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible after your dental crown breaks. They’ll be able to help you protect your tooth and prevent any further damage from occurring.
Step 2: Stop Using the Tooth with the Broken Crown
If you have a dental crown that has broken, it’s important to take action immediately. The first step is to stop using the tooth with the broken crown. This means avoiding putting any pressure on it or chewing on it. You should also avoid eating hard or sticky foods with the tooth.
If the tooth is in pain, you can take over-the-counter pain medication to help ease the discomfort. If the tooth is bleeding, you can rinse your mouth with warm water or apply a cold compress to the area to help reduce swelling.
Once you’ve taken these steps, you’ll need to see your dentist as soon as possible so they can assess the damage and determine what needs to be done to fix it. In some cases, the crown can be repaired or replaced. In other cases, more extensive treatment may be required.
Step 3: Reduce Swelling and Discomfort
If your dental crown has broken, you’ll want to take steps to reduce swelling and discomfort. Here are a few suggestions:
-Apply a cold compress to the area for 10-15 minutes at a time. This will help reduce any swelling.
-Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. This will help with any pain or discomfort you’re experiencing.
-Avoid chewing on hard foods with a broken tooth. Stick to softer foods like mashed potatoes or soup.
-Gently floss around the broken tooth to remove any food particles that may be stuck there. Be careful not to damage the gum tissue.
By following these steps, you can help reduce swelling and discomfort while you wait to see your dentist.
Step 4: Protect the Tooth from Further Damage
If you have a broken dental crown, it’s important to take steps to protect your tooth from further damage. Here are some tips:
-If the crown is still in place, try to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
-If the crown is loose, remove it and clean it with warm water. Rinse your mouth out with warm water as well.
-To prevent the crown from falling out, you can use dental wax or temporary adhesive. You can also ask your dentist for a temporary replacement crown.
-Avoid eating hard or sticky foods until you can get the crown repaired or replaced.
Step 5: Consider Replacing the Broken Crown
If the broken dental crown is still in place, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the break, the dentist may be able to reattach the crown or may recommend replacing it.
If the broken crown is no longer in place, there are a few things to consider before heading to the dentist. If possible, find the broken piece and bring it with you to your appointment. This will give the dentist a better idea of what needs to be done.
If you can’t find the broken piece, don’t worry! The dentist will be able to take an impression of your tooth and create a new crown that matches your natural tooth color.
Once you’ve seen the dentist, they will let you know if your tooth can be saved or if it needs to be extracted. In either case, you’ll need to have a new dental crown made.
Conclusion
Accidents happen, and that includes dental accidents. If your dental crown ever breaks or comes loose unexpectedly, don’t panic! It’s important to take the proper steps to address the issue as quickly as possible. By following these five steps outlined above, you can get your smile back in shape in no time. So even if it feels like an emergency when your dental crown breaks, remember that with a little bit of care and patience, it doesn’t have to be a disaster.
FAQs:
Q: What should I do if my dental crown falls out?
A: If your dental crown falls out, you should try to find the crown and bring it with you to your dentist. If you can’t find the crown, your dentist can make a new one for you.
Q: How can I prevent my dental crown from falling out?
A: You should avoid chewing hard foods and ice, and be careful not to bite your nails or chew on hard candy. You should also brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Q: What are the symptoms of a broken dental crown?
A: The symptoms of a broken dental crown include pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, and visible damage to the tooth. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your dentist immediately.
