Dental Crown Damaged? We Can Help

Types of Crown Damage

Crown damage can range from mild to serious, requiring immediate attention to prevent further issues. When the tooth underneath the crown becomes exposed, it is vulnerable to breakage, bacterial buildup, decay, and infection.

Here are the different types of dental crown damage and what can cause it:

• Cracks and chips: A crown can chip or crack when too much pressure is applied to it. This happens when biting down on something hard, using your teeth as a tool to open a package, grinding your teeth, or clenching your jaw. Also, a poor-fitting crown or a crown that has not been attached properly has a higher risk of breakage.

• Complete breakage or split: Sometimes, a crown will break or split completely and fall off the tooth. This damage often occurs for the same reasons as a crack or chip, including chewing on something hard or grinding teeth. In some cases, you may not have noticed a minor crack until the crown fully breaks.

• Loose crown: It’s also possible for a dental crown to loosen. When the dental cement wears down over time or is damaged, the crown can begin to lift from its position. If your crown is wobbling, even when still attached, it’s time to see your dentist.

• Detached crown: A crown can fall out with severe wear and tear on the cementing materials. The crown can also become warped after several years of use, increasing the risk of detachment.

Emergency Steps for a Broken Dental Crown

If you have a broken crown, including dental crown bridge damage, here are steps to protect your oral health before you see your dentist:

1. Rinse your mouth with clean water to remove any crown pieces or debris that may be in your mouth.
2. If your crown is still whole or you have all the pieces, save them. Your dentist may be able to fix or reattach your crown.
3. Contact your dentist immediately to schedule an appointment to assess the dental crown damage and treat the issue.
4. Ask your dentist about dental wax or cement to cover the exposed tooth. These are available at most pharmacies.
5. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the crown was damaged.
6. Take over-the-counter pain relievers to help with sensitivity or discomfort.
7. Practice good oral hygiene to gently clean the area.

Repair Options for a Broken Crown

It’s possible for a skilled dentist to repair a broken crown with composite bonding material. However, experience and expertise in porcelain repair are required to fix the crown. If the damage is minor, repair options include:

• Composite bonding repair for a cracked crown
• Dental onlay
• Recementing the crown (if still whole)
• Replacing with a new crown

Our team will assess the damage and determine if a repair is possible, or if a replacement is necessary. When crown repair is not possible or cost-effective, we can discuss other options, including a new crown.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene With a Broken Crown

When you have a damaged dental crown, it’s easier for bacteria to get underneath it and cause problems, including tooth decay, bad breath, gum disease, and inflammation. This is why it’s crucial to maintain good dental hygiene with these tips:

• Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss once daily with traditional floss or a water flosser
• Rinse with mouthwash
• Avoid sticky or hard foods
• Schedule an appointment for crown repair as soon as possible

Take care when cleaning around the broken dental crown to prevent further damage or irritation. You can also ask your dentist for guidance on oral hygiene until you can make it to the office for treatment.

Scheduling Prompt Repair

If you wait to have your broken or damaged dental crown repaired, the issue can worsen and require more invasive or costly treatments. You may develop an infection that requires a root canal, tooth extraction, or other procedure.

Contact your dentist right away to schedule an appointment and get recommendations on what to do if your crown breaks.

Need to reschedule? Change your appointment online.

What To Expect During the Repair Process

During your crown repair appointment, the dentist will examine the crown and determine the best course of treatment. At Absolute Dental, we’ll discuss your options, what you can expect during treatment, and the cost of the repair.

If you have a small chip or crack, we can complete minor repairs during your initial visit. However, dental crown replacements require another appointment. We will need to take an impression of your tooth, place a temporary crown while the permanent crown is being made, and attach the final crown during a separate visit.

How To Prevent Future Damage to Dental Crowns

To prevent damage to your crown, follow your dentist’s care instructions, including:

• Do not use your crown to bite down on hard or sticky food
• Do not chew on non-food items
• Do not use your teeth to open packages
• Wear a night guard to protect the crown from grinding or clenching
• Use a mouth guard when playing contact sports
• Practice good oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly

Schedule Your Appointment at Absolute Dental for Expert Care

Our skilled dentists can help with damaged crown repairs and replacements at any of our Nevada dental offices. We have flexible payment options, special offers, and discounts through our Smile Saver program to make quality dental care more affordable for our patients. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.