What to Do When a Dental Crown Breaks or Comes Loose
Dental crowns are versatile restorations that rebuild teeth damaged by decay, erosion, or injury. Dental crowns surround a tooth with a layer of strength and protection. Crowns are made of durable materials that withstand the usual wear and tear of biting and chewing. Although crowns can last 10 years or longer, they may sustain damage.
A damaged dental crown compromises oral health and functions, leaving underlying nerves and tissues vulnerable to infection. Dr. Edward Narcisi, whose dental practice serves Monroeville, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, and surrounding areas, advises patients on what to do when a dental crown breaks or comes loose to prevent further oral complications.
What Should I Do if My Dental Crown Is Loose?
Any issues with a dental crown should be reported to a dentist as soon as possible. Emergency dental care can address problems that pose an immediate threat to oral health and functions. While waiting to see the dentist about a loose dental crown, there are a couple of steps patients can consider to preserve the crown and underlying natural tooth.
- If the crown is loose but remains bonded to the tooth, refrain from touching it. Leave the crown in place and avoid biting or chewing with that area of the mouth.
- If the crown is partially attached to the tooth, individuals can use sugar-free gum, gauze, or temporary dental cement to encapsulate the tooth to create a temporary seal that blocks food particles and bacteria.
What Should I Do About a Broken Dental Crown?
A broken dental crown may be cracked, chipped, or have missing pieces. A broken dental crown exposes the underlying tooth structure and increases the risk of increased sensitivity, oral pain, and infection. As with a loose crown, a broken crown should be reported to the dentist immediately. To minimize oral health risks and increase the likelihood of being able to repair the broken crown, our Monroeville patients should take the following steps:
- If possible, keep pieces of the broken crown (rinse with warm water and store in a sterile container)
- Rinse the mouth with warm salt water
- Reattach the broken piece with dental adhesive or seal the tooth with temporary dental cement
- Avoid putting pressure on the affected tooth
- Schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible
Depending on the type and degree of damage, Dr. Narcisi may be able to repair a broken dental crown. When damage is extensive, he can fabricate a new restoration to replace the broken crown.
What Should I Do if My Dental Crown Falls Out?
When a crown falls out patients should address it the same way they would a broken crown. Patients should clean and store the crown (if possible), protect the underlying tooth, and schedule a dentist appointment as soon as possible to learn if the crown can be re-bonded to the tooth or if it requires replacement.
Contact Our Dental Practice
Dr. Edward Narcisi offers comprehensive dental services to restore and preserve oral health. If you have a loose, broken, or missing dental crown, Dr. Narcisi can advise you of the best treatment plan. To schedule an appointment, contact our dental practice.