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Aug
Help! My Dental Crown is Broken—What Should I Do?
A dental crown is typically recommended in situations with insufficient tooth structure to support a filling. It is placed over the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line to protect it from damage and provide structural support.
Made from durable materials, dental crowns are designed to endure daily wear and can last for over 15 years with proper maintenance. However, dental crowns can sometimes break unexpectedly. While a broken crown can be unsettling, understanding the necessary steps can aid in preserving your oral health. Lone Star Smiles has restored hundreds of smiles with dental crowns in Lubbock, Texas. Contact us if your crown is broken or if you are experiencing any other issues.
What causes a crown to break?
Dental crowns are strong and don’t easily break independently, although normal wear and tear can weaken them over the years. A broken crown often stems from dental injuries, such as a fall or blow in the face. Teeth grinding (bruxism) or biting down on something hard can chip or crack your restoration.
What should you do when your crown breaks?
A broken crown can be alarming but shouldn’t cause panic. There are several ways to address the issue, including some temporary solutions you can try at home.
Follow these tips if you have a broken crown:
- Assess the damage: Evaluating the damage helps determine the necessary steps. You can inspect your tooth by looking closely in the mirror. If the crown is partially or entirely dislodged, remove it carefully from the mouth to avoid swallowing. Be gentle to avoid further damage or discomfort.
- Clean and protect: Keeping your crown and tooth clean is essential to avoid infections. Rinse your mouth with warm, salt water to eliminate unwanted bacteria, food debris, and crown fragments. Gently clean your crown with a toothbrush to remove debris or old cement. Once you clean your crown, you can use temporary dental cement to reinsert your crown. This protects your tooth from extreme sensitivity. Remember, this solution is temporary—visiting a dentist for a permanent solution is essential.
- Discomfort management: A broken crown exposes the underlying tooth, causing discomfort and sensitivity. You can reduce these discomforts with over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. You can also use an ice pack to manage discomfort and swelling. If there are any sharp edges, you can cover them with dental wax (readily available in many drugstores) to reduce irritation of the soft tissues.
- Contact your dentist: Unfortunately, crown issues can only be resolved by a dentist. What you can do at home is to prevent the situation from worsening. Contact us, and we will schedule an appointment to repair or replace the crown.
Best Dental Care In Your Neighborhood
New Patients: (806) 666-1099 | Existing Patients: (806) 776-4299 Book Appointment
Do you need dental crown services?
For crown repair or placement in Lubbock, TX, contact Lone Star Smiles at (806) 666-1099 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cole Sutak and the team.
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Dr. Cole Sutak
Dr. Cole Sutak and his dedicated team at Lone Star Smiles are committed to providing quality dental care for patients in and around Lubbock, TX. He specializes in full-mouth smile makeovers, implants, and more, and his primary goal is to help all patients have the smile of their dreams.
Dr. Sutak received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Midwestern University in Arizona, and he continues expanding his knowledge in emerging treatments and technologies. He is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, Spear Education, and South Plains District Dental Society. Lone Star Smiles was recently presented with the Great Practice for Assistants to Work award.
