Broken Dental Crown? Here’s What You Should Do

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Dental crowns are designed to last for up to 15 years with the right care and maintenance, but that’s not to say that people won’t occasionally experience issues from time to time.

When it comes to crowns, the most common issue that an individual is likely to face is cracking, something that can happen after enough wear and tear have been exerted on it. Crowns have the tendency to break at any time, but they’re more prone to cracking if you’re a regular consumer of crunchy foods or if you’re a teeth grinder.

The good news about a cracked crown is that it’s typically not an emergency situation. The bad news is that it might look unsightly and there might be some mild discomfort until a dentist has a chance to address the issue. Here’s a closer look at what to do if a dental crown breaks on you:

My Dental Crown Just Cracked. What Do I Do?

  • Check out the area: Head to your nearest mirror and see if you can get a glimpse of the cracked crown. Feel it with your tongue to gauge any sensitivity. If the crown is loose and you’re not feeling any pain, you may even elect to remove the crown before it has a chance to fall off on its own. This way, you don’t risk accidentally swallowing it.
  • Assess pain levels: Whether you remove the cracked crown or leave it in place, you’ll want to determine what – if any – pain or discomfort you’re experiencing. Is the area sensitive when you breathe in the air? Are there jagged edges that could lead to scrapes and cuts within the mouth? If all appears well, you don’t have to take action immediately. However, if you’re in pain and the cracked crown doesn’t look good, we’d advise getting into your dentist immediately. If pain is low or moderate, some over-the-counter pain killers can help keep you comfortable until you can get into the dentist.
  • Call your dentist: If you’re not in pain and don’t mind living with a cracked crown or exposed tooth for a few days, there’s really no rush to get into your dentist. Yes, you should get in within a week or two, but there isn’t the sense of urgency that there should be if your cracked crown is causing pain or discomfort. Upon seeing your dentist, the cracked crown will either be repaired or replaced depending on the situation.

Do You Have A Cracked Dental Crown?

It’s never ideal to experience a cracked crown, but it’s also important to remember that everything has a shelf life. Dental crowns are no exception. When you come into a dentist with a broken crown, there are a few things that can be done to help alleviate the pain and frustration caused by having a broken crown.

In many cases, the crown can be repaired with a bonding job using a composite resin material, much like how a cavity would be repaired. In more severe cases though, surrounding teeth can be damaged by this process which makes the need to repair them a priority. Also, if the old crown is damaged beyond repair, then the need to fashion a new crown and replace the old one mat be necessary.

Want To Know What Your Next Step Should Be?

If you are struggling to figure out what to do and want more medical advice, consider taking time to meet our doctors in our Jacksonville Florida office. Our practice founder, Dr. Richard Caven, has come from a long line of dentists stretching back over 150 years! His work in the field for over a decade has proven to help countless in their search for better teeth. But let’s not forget the rest of our amazing doctors, Dr. Shelby Denman, and Dr. Stephen Carpenter, who have both worked tirelessly to provide the highest quality service to all who come to our clinic.

If you would like to meet with any of these doctors, consider scheduling a consultation online or calling us at (904) 645-3366. We strive to provide the greatest level of comfort in our offices for all who walk in. Let us help by giving us a call today!

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