What to Do If You Have a Broken Dental Crown (A Quick Guide)

Dealing with a Broken Dental Crown

Finding out you have a broken dental crown can be a startling experience. Whether you bit down on a piece of hard candy or simply felt something shift while eating dinner, a damaged crown is a common dental issue that requires prompt attention. The good news is that you do not need to panic.

At Kings Dental, we proudly help families across the Cincinnati and Mason areas restore their smiles with ease. If you are currently dealing with a damaged restoration, we are here to guide you through the next steps. Let us take a look at what you should do to protect your tooth and when it is time to call your dentist.

Is a Broken Crown a Dental Emergency?

Many patients wonder if a chipped or broken crown requires immediate, same-day attention. The answer usually depends on your level of pain and the extent of the damage.

If the crown is completely shattered, the underlying tooth is exposed, or you are experiencing severe pain, this situation definitely qualifies for emergency dental care. An exposed tooth is highly vulnerable to bacteria, decay, and painful sensitivity.

On the other hand, if you only have a minor chip and feel no pain, you might be able to wait a day or two for a regular appointment. However, you should still call your dental office right away for advice. The American Dental Association (ADA) always recommends having any damaged restoration evaluated promptly to prevent further complications.

Step-by-Step: What to Do Immediately

If you just realized your crown is broken, here are a few practical steps you can take right now to protect your mouth:

• Inspect the damage: Look in a mirror to assess the situation. Is the crown completely gone, or just chipped? Are there sharp, jagged edges?
• Save the pieces: If the crown or a large piece of it has fallen out, gently rinse it with warm water and place it in a clean container. Bring it with you to your appointment.
• Rinse your mouth: Swish with warm salt water to help soothe irritation and clear away any small, leftover fragments.
• Protect your tongue and cheeks: If the broken dental crown has sharp edges, you can place a small piece of sugarless gum or orthodontic wax over the area to prevent cuts inside your mouth.
• Manage discomfort: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help if you are experiencing a dull ache or sensitivity.

"Even a small chip in a crown can compromise its structural integrity. Prompt evaluation is the best way to save your restoration and protect your natural tooth."

Can a Dentist Fix a Chipped Crown?

When you visit our office, we will carefully examine the damaged crown and the tooth underneath. The treatment plan will depend on the severity of the break. This falls under restorative dentistry, which focuses on repairing and replacing damaged teeth to bring back your healthy smile.

If the chip is very small, your dentist might be able to smooth out the rough edges or repair it using a tooth-colored composite resin. However, if the crack is extensive or the crown has lost its structural integrity, a full replacement is usually the safest option. Just like when you lose a dental filling, putting off a replacement can lead to deep decay or even a root canal infection.

How to Protect Your Smile While You Wait

If you have to wait a day or two to see your dentist, you must take extra precautions to keep the affected tooth safe. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the broken crown. Stick to a soft food diet, opting for yogurt, mashed potatoes, or soup.

You should also avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages. A damaged crown can leave the sensitive inner layers of your tooth exposed, making temperature changes quite painful. Keep up with your oral hygiene, but brush very gently around the damaged tooth to avoid causing further harm.

Ready to Restore Your Smile?

Dealing with a broken dental crown can be stressful, but getting it fixed does not have to be. Our compassionate team at Kings Dental is ready to evaluate your tooth, relieve your discomfort, and provide a lasting solution.

Do not wait until a minor chip becomes a major problem. If you need to schedule an appointment, please reach out to our office in Cincinnati or Mason today. We will get your smile back in top shape in no time. Schedule a visit at Kings Dental.