Let’s Talk About a Broken Crown
While a broken crown isn’t a always dental emergency, dentists recommend getting it fixed as soon as possible.
Dental crowns are supposed to last for about five to fifteen years. However, they might accidentally chip or break, creating a jagged edge. While a broken crown isn’t always a dental emergency, dentists recommend getting it fixed as soon as possible. This protects the tooth from further damage. Here are the most important facts to remember about broken crowns:
How do crowns break?
Dental crowns are solid and don’t tend to break on their own. However, they can crack due to injury or wear and tear. Teeth grinding can also damage crowns.
What materials make a crown?
Most crowns consist of porcelain. New generation crowns contain other advanced materials, making them stronger and durable. They appear and function like natural teeth and should last just as long.
How to deal with a broken crown
The jagged edge of a broken crown can be felt right away. The chip isn’t usually accompanied by pain, but it’s still advisable to call the dentist. They will advise on how to protect the tooth before the appointment. However, if there is pain and the dentist isn’t immediately available, reaching out to an emergency dentist would be advisable.
The severity of a broken crown will determine what happens next. A missing or badly broken crown can cause discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold beverages. A damaged crown can irritate the surrounding gum tissue or cut the tongue. If the pain starts to get worse, seek immediate medical attention.
It’s essential to examine the tooth to see how bad the damage is. If the tooth is not visible at the back, use a mirror to see what’s going on. If the crown is loose, pulling it out would be advisable to prevent it from getting accidentally swallowed.
If bleeding occurs, use a clean gauze to apply pressure to the area. If a dentist isn’t immediately available, try using the dental cement used for dentures to protect the tooth. The adhesive is available at the local pharmacy. Chewing gum can also prevent the tongue from getting cut by a jagged tooth.
Repairing a broken crown
The technique used to repair a broken crown will depend on the nature of the damage. If a piece of the crown breaks off, it’s essential to keep it safe until the dental appointment. For a small chip, the dentist might be able to use a special resin to fix the damage. In severe cases, however, a new crown may be necessary. Another alternative is to file the crown, smooth it, and polish it. This can be a temporary or permanent solution depending on the condition of the damaged tooth.
Make an appointment
A chipped or broken crown may not be a dental emergency, but it’s still important to see a dentist. This will prevent further damage.
If you need a gentle, caring dental team, please call Jennifer Fineberg’s office at (623) 362-2550. We’ll give you the very best dental care we can!
