Dental crowns are designed to be durable, but like anything else, they’re not indestructible. Whether you bit into something too hard or your crown has worn down over time, a broken dental crown can be alarming and uncomfortable. Knowing how to respond if this happens to you can make all the difference in preserving your oral health and avoiding further complications.
Common Reasons Why Crowns Break
Dental crowns can fail for several reasons. Often, the damage is due to biting on hard foods, grinding your teeth (bruxism), or the natural aging and wear of dental materials. In some cases, poor bonding or decay underneath the crown can also lead to breakage. Regardless of the cause, prompt action is essential.
Step 1: Don’t Panic – Assess the Situation
Stay calm if your crown breaks, falls off, or becomes loose. The situation may feel urgent, especially if you’re in pain, but it’s manageable with the proper steps. First, check to see if the crown has completely come off or if a portion is still attached. If it’s fully dislodged, carefully retrieve the crown and store it in a clean container. This can help your dentist assess whether it can be reused or replaced.
Step 2: Protect the Tooth
A dental crown protects a damaged or weakened tooth underneath. If the crown breaks or comes off, the exposed tooth may be sensitive to temperature, pressure, or air. Until you can get to the dentist, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and steer clear of hot or cold foods. If you’re experiencing discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers and dental wax (available at local pharmacies) can help minimize irritation.
Step 3: Contact Your Dentist Right Away
Broken crowns should be treated sooner rather than later. Contact your local dentist as quickly as possible to schedule an appointment. Let them know precisely what happened and whether you’re experiencing pain. Most dental offices prioritize these cases and try to get you in quickly. If you need dental crowns, finding a trusted provider who offers same-day or emergency appointments can prevent more serious issues, such as infections or further damage to the tooth.
Step 4: Temporary Solutions While You Wait
If you can’t see a dentist immediately, temporary dental cement—available at most drugstores—can help secure the crown back in place quickly. However, this is not a long-term fix. It’s important to avoid using super glue or any non-dental adhesives, as these can damage the crown or harm your gums and teeth.
Step 5: Repair or Replacement
Once at the dental office, your dentist will evaluate the crown and the underlying tooth. If the crown is still intact, they may be able to reattach it. A new crown will be needed if it’s cracked or broken beyond repair. Your dentist will also check for any decay or damage to the tooth that may have occurred since the crown was first placed. Sometimes, the tooth underneath may need additional treatment before a new crown can be fitted. Fortunately, Perfect Smile Tulsa offers advanced technology, which allows quicker restorations and even same-day crowns in certain situations.
Preventing Future Issues
To help prevent another crown from breaking, avoid chewing on complex objects like ice or pens, and don’t use your teeth as tools. Maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular dental checkups to ensure your crowns and other restorations are in good shape.
Conclusion
Experiencing a broken dental crown can be stressful, but Tulsa residents have access to quality dental care that can restore their smile quickly and comfortably. Whether it’s a minor crack or a complete replacement, acting swiftly and seeing a trusted local dentist is the key to avoiding long-term problems. If you’ve experienced a broken crown, don’t wait. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get the prompt care you need.