Dental crowns can last for over a decade, but they do break occasionally. When that happens, there are things you can do to ensure that you don’t cause further damage to the tooth beneath it.
With offices in Fayetteville, Vass, and Raeford, North Carolina, the dental specialists at Hometown Family Dental Centers deliver compassionate and comprehensive care. From routine checkups to repairing a broken crown, our experts are available to keep your oral health in top shape.
If you have a broken crown, even if it seems minor, call us as soon as possible to get it repaired. In the meantime, use these tips to relieve discomfort and prevent further damage.
Most dental crowns are made of porcelain or ceramic to mimic your tooth enamel in terms of look and durability. While they can last up to 15 years, any of these habits or incidents can result in a broken crown:
You may not be able to identify the reason your crown broke, and it may not be something you did. Still, avoiding certain habits — like biting down on popcorn kernels or hard candies — can help prevent broken crowns.
If your crown breaks, there are some steps you can take right away to decrease your discomfort. Caring for your broken crown can also help you avoid other problems that may occur as a result of the break.
First, find a mirror and look at the broken crown. Feel the area with your tongue, and check for sharpness or other problems around the tooth. Then, assess your pain and sensitivity. If you can’t touch the area or breathe without tooth pain, use over the counter painkillers.
If you have a loose crown, call Hometown Family Dental Centers right away. Be careful not to swallow the crown. You can use denture adhesive or toothpaste to hold it in place as a temporary measure.
If you don’t fix your broken crown, you risk other complications. Without a crown to protect your tooth, you open the area to decay. Bacteria can get in and cause infection or abscess.
While over the counter painkillers can control mild pain, they don’t work the same way for severe tooth sensitivity that may result from a broken crown. Pain can mean you struggle to chew or drink a healthy amount of water.
Unless you have severe pain, bleeding, or sharpness around your tooth, your broken crown may not be a dental emergency. Still, you should call the dentist to fix it as soon as possible.
Our caring and skilled specialists at Hometown Family Dental Centers are committed to your best oral care. If you’re worried about a loose or broken crown, contact the office convenient to you or use this secure form to request an appointment.
