Did Your Dental Crown Break or Fall Out?
If you’ve experienced a broken dental crown, you know it can be alarming and uncomfortable. A damaged crown not only affects your smile but can also cause pain, increase sensitivity, and lead to further dental issues if left untreated. Vero Dental Spa provides rapid, expert care to address dental emergencies like broken or damaged dental crowns, offering compassionate service, state-of-the-art technology, and long-lasting solutions.
To book an appointment, contact our emergency dentist in Vero Beach at (772) 778-5550.
Broken Crowns Causes
Dental crowns can break or become dislodged due to various reasons:- Trauma: Direct impact to the mouth or face.
- Chewing Hard Foods: Biting down on hard objects or foods.
- Tooth Decay: Underlying decay weakens the tooth structure.
- Age: Wear and tear over time.
- Faulty Crown Fit: Improper placement or fit of the crown.
- Grinding Teeth: Bruxism (teeth grinding) can stress the crown.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Neglecting oral care leads to decay around the crown.
Signs of a Broken Dental Crown
It may not always be obvious when a dental crown is broken. Here are some common signs to look out for:
- Visible Cracks or Chips: You may see or feel a crack on the surface of the crown.
- Increased Sensitivity: Broken crowns can expose underlying nerves, causing sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Pain or Discomfort: A damaged crown can lead to discomfort, especially when biting or chewing.
- Loose or Dislodged Crown: In some cases, the crown may feel loose or fall out entirely.
If you’re dealing with any of the issues mentioned above, Vero Dental Spa offers emergency dental care. Contact our dentist today at (772) 778-5550.
Steps to Take in a Dental Crown Emergency
If your dental crown breaks or falls out, follow these steps to protect the tooth and reduce discomfort:- Contact Our Dentist: Call Vero Dental Spa as soon as possible to schedule an emergency dentistry appointment.
- Avoid Using the Affected Tooth: Minimize chewing on the side of the broken crown to avoid further damage.
- Rinse with Salt Water: Rinse with warm salt water to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection.
- Manage Pain: If you’re experiencing discomfort, use an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen.
- Use Dental Cement if Necessary: Temporary dental cement, available at most pharmacies, can secure a loose crown temporarily.
Temporary Solutions for a Broken Dental Crown
Use Temporary Dental Cement
Temporary dental cement is useful for managing a broken dental crown and a temporary crown. Available at most drug stores, it can reattach a small broken piece or cover the exposed tooth, protecting it until you see your dentist. Designed for dental emergencies, it helps keep the underlying tooth safe from further damage.
Remember, this is a temporary fix, and you should contact our dentist in [location] soon for a permanent solution.
Apply Dental Wax
Dental wax is another effective temporary solution for a broken crown. It can cover the sharp edges of the broken crown, preventing irritation to your gums and mouth. This measure ensures comfort and prevents further injury while waiting for your dental appointment.
Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods
Avoiding certain foods is essential to prevent further complications from a broken dental crown. Hard foods like nuts and candies, and sticky foods like gum and caramel, can cause additional damage or dislodge the crown further. Stick to softer foods that require minimal chewing to protect the broken crown until professional care is available.
How to Protect Your Tooth
Protecting the exposed tooth is crucial to avoid infections and further damage. Temporary dental cement or denture adhesive can temporarily shield the tooth. Over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses manage discomfort and reduce swelling.
Good oral hygiene is also essential. Here are some tips to maintain it:
- Gently rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Avoid irritating substances to keep the area clean.
- Avoid crunchy, chewy, or tough foods that can aggravate the exposed tooth and delay healing.
Repairing or Replacing a Broken Crown
Assessing the Damage
To assess the damage, our dentist will typically remove the broken crown and evaluate any underlying issues with the tooth structure. Keeping the broken crown to show our dentist can help understand the damage and determine the best course of action.
Repairing the Existing Crown
If the crown is intact but loose, it can often be easily reattached. In many cases, a damaged dental crown can be repaired instead of completely replaced, saving time and cost. Our dentist will clean the underlying tooth and apply dental cement to secure the crown.
The appropriate treatment for a broken dental crown depends on the severity of the damage.
- Crown Repair: If the damage is minimal, your dentist may be able to repair the crown.
- Crown Replacement: Extensive damage may require replacing the crown entirely.
- Temporary Measures: Our Vero Beach dentist may apply a temporary crown or protective covering until a permanent solution is ready.
- Evaluation: Dr. Royal will assess the underlying tooth to ensure no further complications exist.
Getting a New Dental Crown
A severely damaged dental crown can’t be repaired and must be replaced. A new crown can be made by our dentist or a specialty laboratory, using impressions or digital scans to create a precise fit. Dental crowns typically last between 10 to 15 years, but a new crown ensures continued protection and functionality of the tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a broken dental crown cause pain?
If your dental crown breaks, you may expose sensitive tooth structures, causing discomfort or pain. Contact your dentist immediately for an emergency dental crown treatment to ease your pain and prevent further damage to your natural teeth.
Can I reattach a broken dental crown myself?
It is possible to use temporary dental cement from a drug store to reattach a broken dental crown or cover the exposed tooth until you can visit your dentist. However, professional dental care is recommended for a lasting solution.
What foods should I avoid with a broken dental crown?
To protect your broken dental crown, you should avoid hard and sticky foods like nuts, candies, and chewing gum. Instead, opt for softer foods that require minimal chewing to prevent additional damage.
How can I protect my dental crowns from future breakages?
To protect your dental crowns from future breakages, ensure you attend regular dental check-ups, practice proper oral care, and utilize mouthguards during sports or while sleeping. These measures will significantly enhance the longevity of your crowns.
Contact Our Vero Beach Dentist for a Dental Emergency
Don’t let a broken dental crown disrupt your life. At Vero Dental Spa, we’re committed to providing fast, reliable emergency care to restore your smile and relieve discomfort. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency in Vero Beach, contact our office today at (772) 778-5550.
We offer emergency dental services, from a severe toothache to a knocked out-tooth among other common dental emergencies, we can help get your oral health back on track.
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- 3036 20th St,
Vero Beach, FL 32960 - (772) 778-5550
Working hours
- Monday: 8am - 5pm
- Tuesday: 8am - 5pm
- Wednesday: 8am - 5pm
- Thursday: 8am - 5pm
- Friday: 8am - 1pm
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed