What Should You Do If You Have A Chipped Or Broken Crown?

Do I Need To See An Emergency Dentist For A Broken Crown?

Although many dental crowns will last a decade or longer, others can become broken or chipped much sooner. If your crown has become damaged, you may have the option to repair it. Other cases will require replacement, depending on the severity of the damage and what type of crown you have. If you have a chipped or broken crown, contact your Glendale Emergency Dentist right away for advice, evaluation, and treatment.

What Is A Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a popular dental restoration treatment in which a cap is placed on top of a damaged tooth to protect it and improve its appearance. Dental crowns are recommended to protect, cover, and match the shape of your teeth when a filling isn’t enough to fix the damage. Your Arrowhead dentist may recommend a crown in the following circumstances:

• Cracked tooth from an accident
• Chipped tooth
• Tooth discoloration
• To attach a dental bridge to protect additional teeth
• To prevent a tooth fracture when a tooth is weakened
• Any time tooth damage is too extensive for a filling to be a good option

It generally takes two appointments with your dentist to get a crown. Once your dentist has recommended a crown and you agree to the treatment plan, an impression will be made of the area so that you can receive a custom fit crown that fits perfectly in your mouth. A temporary crown will then be placed in the space while the lab makes the permanent one. Once your new crown is ready, you’ll have a second dental visit where your dentist will remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent crown in place. No further special care is needed beyond good oral hygiene habits and regular dentist cleanings twice a year.

What Types Of Crowns Are Available?

You’ll be able to choose from different materials for your crown.

• Metal alloy: A great choice for damaged molars because this type of crown will hold up the best to chewing.
• Resin: A less expensive and less durable option, typically used for a temporary crown.
• Porcelain fused to metal: Strong and natural-looking, these types of crowns are often recommended for front teeth and dental bridges.
• Porcelain or ceramic: Color matched to the rest of your teeth and a good option if you have metal allergies.

What Causes Crowns To Chip Or Break?

Although dental crowns are strong and should last for many years without care, they can become chipped or broken. The most common causes of dental crown damage are:

• A punch or hit to the face
• Accidents at work or while driving
• Falling
• Teeth grinding, especially at night, called bruxism
• Biting down on something very hard
• Repetitive chewing on pens or other objects
• Using the crowned tooth to open bags, packages, bottles, etc.

If you clench your jaw or grind your teeth while sleeping, your Phoenix dentist office may recommend a mouth guard in order to prevent damage to your crown.

What Should I Do If My Dental Crown Gets Damaged?

If your crown becomes cracked, chipped, or broken contact your Glendale Emergency Dentist as soon as possible. If the damage is severe, the crown has rough edges, or you’re in significant pain, you may be able to get a same day appointment.

Examine the area to see if any pieces are missing or broken. If the crown is very loose, your doctor may recommend that you lift it off to avoid the risk of swallowing it. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water. If the area is bleeding, you can use a piece of gauze to apply pressure to the damaged tooth and absorb the blood.

While you wait to see your dentist, it’s common for the tooth to feel sensitive. You may need to eat softer foods and avoid anything that is very crunchy, hard, chewy, very hot, or very cold.

Can A Broken Crown Be Repaired?

Sometimes it’s possible to repair a chipped or broken crown. Your dentist will assess the severity and extent of the damage in order to determine whether it can be repaired or if replacement is a better option. Small chips and areas of damage can be repaired with composite resin that matches the tooth, or be reshaped and smoothed so that the damage is not visible. But if the chip or break is more severe, you’ll need a new crown.

It may be possible to repair a chipped dental crown, depending on how much of it is damaged, and how severe it is. If the chip isn’t large, your dentist may repair it with resin, a composite material the same color as the tooth. In some cases, the crown just needs to be reshaped and smoothed. If the chip or crack is severe enough, you may need a new crown.

Discuss Your Dental Crown With Arizona’s Trusted Dental Clinic

If you think you need a dental crown, or if your existing crown has become broken or chipped, schedule your appointment with Dr. Greg Ceyhan at Aesthetic Dentistry of Arrowhead. With his extensive experience and reputation for compassionate and honest dental care, Dr. Ceyhan has become a leading provider of cosmetic and general dentistry services in Glendale. Call his office today to schedule your appointment and get started with better oral health!