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Dr Ayesha Irfan Sethi
January 12, 2025
Dental Crowns

When Your Dental Crowns Break: A Comprehensive Guide

Ayesha Dental Care proudly serves Wapda Town and surrounding areas, including Valencia Town, Tariq Garden, Gulshan-e-Lahore Society, NFC Society, OPF, Nespak Society, Etihad Town, Punjab Society, BOR Society, and Johar Town. We are committed to providing top- quality dental care to ensure your oral health remains in the best condition.

Understanding Dental Crowns

Dental crowns play a crucial role in restoring and protecting teeth that have suffered damage, decay, or structural loss. These custom-fitted caps enhance both functionality and aesthetics. However, despite their durability, crowns can still break. Knowing what to do in such a situation can help prevent pain, further damage, or even tooth loss. This guide will walk you through essential steps to take when your dental crown breaks, ensuring you handle the situation with care.

Recognizing the Signs of a Broken Crown

Identifying a broken dental crown early can prevent complications. Look out for these common indicators:

  • Sensitivity or pain when consuming hot, cold, or sugary foods and beverages.
  • Visible cracks or chips in the crown.
  • A rough edge that you can feel with your tongue.
  • A portion of the crown becoming loose or falling off.

If you notice any of these signs, take immediate action to avoid further complications.

Immediate Actions to Take When a Dental Crown Breaks
  1. Assess the Situation: Determine whether the crown is chipped, cracked, or fully detached. If the crown has fallen out, keep it safe as it may be possible to reattach it.
  2. Protect the Tooth: The exposed tooth may be sensitive. If you cannot visit the dentist immediately, use sugar-free gum or over-the-counter dental cement to cover the tooth temporarily.
  3. Contact Ayesha Dental Care: Call our clinic as soon as possible. We prioritize dental emergencies and will schedule you for an appointment promptly.
  4. Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brush gently around the affected area and rinse with saltwater to prevent infection.
  5. Modify Your Diet: Avoid chewing on the side of the broken crown. Stick to soft foods and avoid extremely hot or cold beverages.
Common Causes of Broken Crowns

Understanding why dental crowns break can help prevent future issues:

  • Natural wear and tear: Crowns have a lifespan and will eventually need replacement.
  • Trauma or impact: Accidents or injuries can dislodge or crack crowns.
  • Poor oral hygiene: Decay under the crown can weaken its foundation.
  • Chewing hard or sticky foods: Ice, hard candies, or sticky foods can damage crowns.

Treatment Options for Broken Crowns: Depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist may recommend one of the following solutions:

  • Reattachment: If the crown and tooth are in good condition, reattachment may be possible.
  • Repair: Minor chips may be fixed with resin bonding.
  • Replacement: A severely damaged crown or decayed underlying tooth may require a new crown.

Preventative Measures Taking proactive steps can extend the lifespan of your dental crown:

  • Schedule regular dental check-ups at Ayesha Dental Care for early detection of issues.
  • Practice good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash daily.
  • Avoid hard foods that could crack your crowns.
  • Use a mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth at night.
Conclusion

A broken dental crown requires immediate attention to prevent further complications. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can protect your dental health and avoid additional damage. Ayesha Dental Care is here to assist residents of Wapda Town, Valencia Town, Tariq Garden, Gulshan-e-Lahore Society, NFC Society, OPF, Nespak Society, Etihad Town, Punjab Society, BOR Society, and Johar Town. If you suspect your crown is compromised, don’t delay—schedule an appointment with us today to ensure your smile stays healthy and strong.