What You Need to Do if You Wind Up with a Broken Dental Crown
Posted on 10/15/2024 by SmileCOS Dentistry |
Let's face it: Nobody likes dealing with dental emergencies. But if you find yourself with a broken dental crown, don't panic! This guide will walk you through the steps you need to take to get your smile back on track.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that fits over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its function and appearance. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, gold, or a combination of both. While crowns are durable, they can sometimes chip, crack, or even come loose.
What Causes a Crown to Break?
Several factors can contribute to a broken crown, including:
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Biting down on hard objects: Chewing on ice, hard candy, or other hard foods can put stress on your crown and cause it to break. |
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Grinding your teeth: If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), the constant pressure can eventually damage your crown. |
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Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can allow plaque and bacteria to build up around your crown, which can weaken the tooth structure and make the crown more susceptible to breaking. |
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Preexisting damage to the tooth: If the tooth under the crown was already weakened due to decay or trauma, the crown may be more likely to break. |
What to Do if Your Crown Breaks
If your crown breaks, don't wait to see a dentist. The longer you wait, the greater the risk of further damage to the tooth or surrounding tissues. Here's what you should do:
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Call your dentist immediately. Explain the situation and ask for an appointment as soon as possible. |
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Save any pieces of the crown, if possible. This can help your dentist assess the damage and determine the best course of treatment. |
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Avoid chewing on the affected tooth. This will help prevent further damage to the tooth and surrounding tissues. |
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If the broken crown is causing pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. |
What to Expect at the Dentist's Office
When you see your dentist, they will examine your tooth and the broken crown to determine the extent of the damage. Depending on the severity of the break, they may be able to repair the crown or they may need to replace it entirely.
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Repair: If the break is small and the tooth structure is still intact, your dentist may be able to repair the crown using composite resin. This is a relatively quick and painless procedure. |
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Replacement: If the break is more severe or the tooth structure is damaged, your dentist will need to replace the crown. This will involve taking impressions of your teeth and sending them to a dental lab to fabricate a new crown. |
How to Prevent a Broken Crown
The best way to prevent a broken crown is to practice good oral hygiene and avoid biting down on hard objects. You should also see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. During these appointments, your dentist can check the condition of your crown and address any potential problems early on.
By following these tips, you can help keep your dental crowns healthy and prevent them from breaking. However, even with the best care, crowns can sometimes break. If this happens to you, don't panic. Simply follow the steps outlined above and see your dentist as soon as possible.
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