Outstanding dentists with a welcoming staff. This team provides the most advanced technology when caring for their patients teeth and they do so in a most comfortable environment. I am also grateful to Julia for her helpful advice regarding my parent’s sleep apnea.
Have you thought about what to do if your dental crown is damaged? Dental crowns shield weak or damaged teeth, restore their shape, and improve your smile. But accidents happen, and this can lead to your dental crown chipping, cracking, or even falling off altogether. If you have lived with a dental crown before, your oral health needs to know what to do if this ever happens. The purpose of this guide is to educate you about dental crowns in Houston, what to do if one were to break, and how dentists can repair them.
What Happens If a Crown Breaks?
So, what happens if a crown breaks? The damaged crown will reveal the decayed tooth inside, and thus, you may experience pain, sensitivity, or even an infection. At times, the damage may be just a small chip, while in some instances, the crown may become loose or fall off entirely.
Here are the most prevalent indications of a damaged crown:
- Sharp pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- A visible crack or chip
- The crown feels loose or wobbly
Not taking a broken crown seriously can escalate the issue and cause the natural tooth under the crown to be severely damaged.
What Causes Dental Crowns to Break?
Crowns are sturdy, but they are not indestructible. Having an understanding of how crowns fail can aid in distinguishing:
- Chewing on hard foods – ice, nuts, or hard candy can crack crowns.
- Grinding or clenching teeth – this applies more force to the teeth.
- Trauma or injury: a crown could be chipped from a fall, slip, or accident, or maybe from a sporting injury.
- Decay that occurs underneath the crown – this causes the tooth underneath to weaken, which can lead to cracks and breaks.
You can help protect both your oral health and your dental crown by understanding these issues.
How Can a Chipped Dental Crown Be Repaired?
If you see a small chip, you may be wondering about chipped dental crown repair. Depending on the amount of damage done to the crown, dentists have many possibilities:
- Small chips – May sometimes be smoothed out or repaired with composite resin.
- Larger cracks or fractures – In some cases, a dentist may have to take out the crown and replace it entirely.
- Loose crowns – Dentists may simply take out the crown and replace it by re-cementing it back in place if the tooth structure underneath is healthy.
It is important to make an appointment at a dental office in Houston right away so that the dentist can evaluate the crown and avoid problematic complications.
What Should You Do Immediately After Your Crown Gets Damaged?
When your crown breaks, these are the actions to take to lessen the pain and guard your tooth:
- Rinse your mouth – Warm water should be used to clean the area.
- Protect the tooth – In case the crown has come off, place it in a container that is clean and safe.
- Avoid chewing – Do not eat hard foods that are on that side of your mouth.
- Use temporary dental cement – At pharmacies, you can get it to protect the tooth until the dentist’s appointment.
- Contact your dentist immediately – The sooner the better; a quick call can reduce the risk of pain or infection.
By doing these things quickly, you can rescue your tooth and still use a less invasive treatment.
Can You Prevent Dental Crowns From Breaking?
Indeed! The accidents are not always avoidable; there are still some protective ways for dental crowns as follows:
- Do not chew hard foods like ice, nuts, and hard candies.
- If you do sports or you are a bruxer at night, then put on a mouthguard.
- Keep your oral hygiene in order to avoid decay under the crown.
- Have regular visits to the dentist for examination and professional cleaning.
All these routines will help you to keep not only the crowns in good shape but also your own teeth.
When Should You See a Dentist About a Broken Crown?
If you feel any of the things below, you need to see your dentist at once:
- Severe pain or swelling
- The crown has come off completely.
- Trouble eating or speaking
- Continued sensitivity
Early intervention stops the problem from getting worse and assures your tooth is still protected.
Protect Your Smile with Houston Uptown Dentists
A damaged crown can be stressful, but knowing what occurs if a crown breaks and how to respond can make the process easier. The dental visit, whether it is for a small chip or a crown that has completely fallen off, keeps the smile bright by keeping the tooth healthy.
Houston Uptown Dentists is your best choice, as we offer the best treatment for dental crowns, alongside evaluation, restoration, and replacement. Our team works hard to make your visit relaxing and also to give you long-lasting dental crowns.
Don’t wait to get your dental crown fixed or replaced. Instead, call Houston Uptown Dentists and schedule an appointment that will take care of your smile as well.