If you have a tooth that has suffered damage to its structure, your dentist will likely restore its health with a dental crown. This ceramic cap covers a vulnerable tooth and seals it into place with dental cement. It provides ample protection for the tooth, preventing further damage and boosting its function and appearance.
Though durable, crowns can fall off of a tooth if exposed to abnormal pressure. This problem is a dental emergency and will need prompt treatment from your dentist. Read on to learn what actions you should take if your dental crown breaks or dislodges.
What Do I Do If My Dental Crown Breaks?
Contact Your Dentist As Soon As Possible
When your dentist gives you a dental crown, they must remove a minute part of your tooth enamel to make room for the cap. The crown covers this now vulnerable portion of the tooth, but if it becomes damaged, then it’s exposed.
The tooth can be affected by plaque and other external threats. That’s why dentists urge prompt action when you break a crown. If this happens, you should call your dentist as soon as you can.
They will likely ask you to schedule an urgent dental appointment to fix it. During this call, they can also offer advice in the meantime. They can tell you how to relieve pain and other symptoms before you visit the dentist.
Attend an Emergency Dentist Appointment
Your dentist will recommend scheduling an emergency appointment as soon as possible to examine and treat the dental crown. You should bring the damaged crown with you to your visit for evaluation.
During this appointment, the dentist will examine the crown, the affected tooth, and the rest of the smile to look for signs of other damage. They can treat any underlying concerns.
If the crown is intact, the dentist will place it back over the tooth and seal it. Broken crowns might need a replacement. In these cases, a dentist can provide a patient with a temporary crown while they build a new custom-made one in their dental lab.
Avoid Further Harm to Your Dental Crown
Once your dentist restores your dental crown, you will want to take precautions to avoid harming it again. It can withstand routine wear and tear, but major pressure could make a crown dislodge or crack.
Therefore, you shouldn’t bite down on hard items, like the end of a pen, ice, or fingernails. Be careful when eating sticky or chewy foods too which could wreak havoc on your dental work.
People who grind or clench their teeth exert pressure on their teeth and crowns. If you have this habit, ask your dentist for tips to stop it. This way, you can preserve your dental crown and enjoy its restorative benefits. With proper care, a crown can remain over a tooth for fifteen or more years.
Temporary Fixes Until You See the Dentist
If your crown falls off, don’t panic. First, try to find the crown and rinse it gently with water. If the tooth isn’t painful, you can temporarily put the crown back in place using dental cement from the drugstore or even a small dab of toothpaste. Avoid using super glue or household adhesives because they can damage your tooth.
If the crown won’t stay put, keep it safe in a container of milk or your saliva and call your dentist right away. For pain, over-the-counter pain relievers can help, but avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
Why Do Crowns Come Loose?
Crowns can come loose for several reasons. Sometimes the cement weakens over time, especially if you grind your teeth at night. Decay under the crown can also make it loose. Eating sticky candy or hard foods might pull it off.
If your crown feels wobbly but hasn’t fallen out yet, that’s your warning sign to see the dentist before it comes off completely. Never try to remove a loose crown yourself. You could accidentally damage the tooth underneath.
The Crown Replacement Process
If your crown can’t be reused, don’t worry. Getting a new one is straightforward. First, your dentist will clean and prepare the tooth, removing any old cement. Then they’ll take an impression (mold) of your tooth to send to the dental lab.
You’ll get a temporary crown to wear for about two weeks while your permanent one is being made. At your next visit, the dentist will cement the new custom crown in place. They’ll check your bite to make sure it feels comfortable and natural.
Caring for Your New or Replaced Crown
After getting a new crown or having one reattached, treat it gently for the first 24 hours while the cement fully sets. Brush and floss normally, but be extra careful around the crown at first. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the surface.
While crowns are strong, they’re not indestructible. Avoid habits like chewing ice, biting fingernails, or opening packages with your teeth. With good care, your crown can last many years before needing replacement.
Schedule a Dental Exam
Did you learn all about dental crowns? Are you ready to fix your crown and get back to your normal life? Call Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry of Towson at 410-324-2294 today. We are your restorative dentists in Towson for all your dental care needs.