Broken Dental Crown Emergency Treatment in Knoxville, TN

Did Your Dental Crown Break or Fall Out?

A dental crown is a prosthetic cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Despite their resilience, dental crowns can sometimes get damaged, necessitating immediate attention to prevent further complications.

If you find yourself with a broken crown on your tooth, you may be wondering what immediate steps to take. Reach out to Fountain City Smiles right away if you’re seeking treatment. Our emergency dentist in Knoxville, TN, will help restore your oral health—call at (865) 687-8670.

Causes of Broken Dental Crowns

Several factors can lead to the breakage or dislodgement of dental crowns:

Trauma: A direct impact on the mouth or face can damage the crown.
Chewing Hard Foods: Biting into hard objects or foods can cause breakage.
Tooth Decay: Decay beneath the crown weakens the tooth structure.
Age: Wear and tear over time can compromise the crown’s integrity.
Faulty Crown Fit: An improperly fitted crown may become loose or break.
Grinding Teeth: Bruxism, or teeth grinding, puts undue stress on the crown.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Neglecting oral care can lead to decay around the crown.

Symptoms of a Broken Dental Crown

Identifying the symptoms of a broken dental crown is crucial for timely intervention:

Visible Damage: Noticeable cracks, fractures, or missing pieces from the crown.
Tooth Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
Pain or Discomfort: Especially noticeable when chewing or biting.
Looseness: A sensation that the crown is unstable or shifting.
Gum Irritation: Swelling or irritation around the tooth with the crown.

Immediate Actions to Take for a Broken Crown on Tooth

If you experience a broken dental crown, follow these crucial steps right away:

Retrieve the Crown: Try to find and save any pieces of the broken crown.
Rinse: Carefully rinse your mouth with warm water to cleanse the area.
Pain Relief: Use over-the-counter pain medications to alleviate any discomfort.
Avoid Chewing: Do not chew on the side of your mouth with the broken crown.
Contact Our Knoxville Dentist: Arrange an emergency visit with our dentist as soon as possible.

Temporary Solutions for a Broken Dental Crown

Use Temporary Dental Cement

Temporary dental cement is an effective short-term solution for managing a broken dental crown and a temporary crown. Available at most pharmacies, it can be used to reattach a small broken piece or cover the exposed tooth, offering protection until you can visit your dentist. Designed for dental emergencies, it safeguards the underlying tooth from further damage.

Remember, this is only a temporary measure, and you should contact our dentist in Knoxville soon for a permanent solution.

Apply Dental Wax

Dental wax serves as an effective temporary remedy for a broken crown. It can be applied to cover the sharp edges of the damaged crown, thereby preventing irritation to your gums and mouth. This approach ensures comfort and reduces the risk of further injury while you await your dental appointment.

Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods

Steering clear of certain foods is vital to prevent additional issues with a broken dental crown. Hard foods such as nuts and candies, along with sticky foods like gum and caramel, can cause further damage or even dislodge the crown. Opt for softer foods that require minimal chewing to safeguard the broken crown until you can receive professional dental care.

How to Protect Your Tooth

Shielding the exposed tooth is vital to prevent infections and additional harm. You can use temporary dental cement or denture adhesive to provide a protective barrier until you see your dentist. Over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses can help manage discomfort and minimize swelling.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Here are some tips to ensure it:

Rinse your mouth gently with warm water.
Steer clear of irritants to keep the area clean.
Avoid crunchy, chewy, or tough foods that could aggravate the exposed tooth and hinder healing.

Repairing or Replacing a Broken Crown

Assessing the Damage

To assess the damage, our dentist will remove the broken crown and assess any underlying issues with the tooth structure. Bringing the broken crown with you can help the dentist better understand the extent of the damage and decide on the most appropriate course of action.

Repairing the Existing Crown

If the crown remains intact but is loose, it can often be reattached with ease. In many situations, a damaged dental crown can be fixed rather than completely replaced, which can save both time and money. Our dentist will clean the tooth beneath the crown and use dental cement to secure it.

The suitable treatment for a broken dental crown depends on how severe the damage is:

Crown Repair: If the damage is minor, your dentist might be able to repair the crown.
Crown Replacement: Significant damage may necessitate a complete crown replacement.
Temporary Solutions: Our Knoxville dentist might apply a temporary crown or protective covering until a permanent fix is available.
Evaluation: Dr. Niral Patel will evaluate the underlying tooth to ensure there are no additional complications.

Getting a New Dental Crown

When a dental crown is extensively damaged and cannot be repaired, it will need to be replaced. Our dentist, or a specialized laboratory, can craft a new crown using impressions or digital scans to ensure an accurate fit. Typically, dental crowns have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, but a new crown will provide continued protection and functionality for the tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

When a dental crown breaks, it can expose sensitive parts of the tooth, leading to discomfort or pain. It’s crucial to contact your dentist immediately for emergency dental crown treatment to alleviate the pain and prevent additional damage to your natural teeth.

You can temporarily reattach a broken dental crown or cover the exposed tooth using temporary dental cement available at drugstores. However, it’s advisable to seek professional dental care for a more permanent solution.

To safeguard your broken dental crown, steer clear of hard and sticky foods such as nuts, candies, and chewing gum. Instead, choose softer foods that require minimal chewing to prevent further damage.

To prevent future damage to your dental crowns, make sure to attend regular dental check-ups, maintain excellent oral hygiene, and use mouthguards during sports or while sleeping. These precautions will greatly extend the lifespan of your crowns.

Get in Touch With Our Knoxville Dentist for Broken or Fallen Dental Crowns

If you need tailored guidance or urgent help with a broken dental crown, contact our reliable dental professional. A broken dental crown often qualifies as a dental emergency! Call our Knoxville dentist at (865) 687-8670 to book your consultation. We’re pleased to serve patients in Amherst, Marble City, and West Knoxville.