Crunch! You're biting down on a piece of hard candy, and suddenly you feel something break in your mouth. Your heart races as you realize it's your dental crown. But don't panic just yet! We've got the steps you need to take when this unexpected situation occurs. From emergency dental care to temporary fixes, we'll guide you through each step so that you can get back to flashing that confident smile in no time.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a cap that covers a tooth. It is usually made of porcelain or ceramic and is custom-made to match the color of your natural teeth. A dental crown can be used to:

-Protect a weak tooth from breaking

-Cover a dental implant

-Cover a discolored or misshapen tooth

-Make a cosmetic change to your smile

If you have a dental crown, it is important to take care of it and brush and floss around it just like you would your natural teeth. If your dental crown becomes loose, broken, or falls out, don't panic! Here are some steps to take:

Causes of a Broken Crown

There are a few different reasons why a dental crown might break. The most common reason is because of wear and tear. Over time, the crown can become loose and eventually fall out. This is especially common if you don't take good care of your teeth and gums. Other causes of a broken crown include:

- Trauma to the Mouth: If you have an accident that results in a blow to the mouth, it's possible that the force of the impact could cause one or more dental crowns to break. - Decay: If you have decay underneath a dental crown, it can weaken the bond between the tooth and the crown, eventually causing the crown to come off. - Poor Fit: If your dental crown was not fitted properly in the first place, it's more likely to come loose over time and eventually fall off.

Symptoms of a Broken Crown

When your dental crown breaks, it can be a cause for alarm. But don't panic! There are some simple steps you can take to fix the problem.

First, check to see if the break is visible. If it is, then you'll need to call your dentist right away to schedule an appointment. In the meantime, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and brush and floss carefully around the broken crown.

If the break isn't visible, you may not need to see your dentist right away. Instead, you can try to repair the crown yourself with a tooth-colored composite resin material. Just clean the broken crown with alcohol and then apply the resin with a cotton swab. Be sure to smooth it out so that it blends in with the rest of your tooth.

If you're not comfortable doing this yourself or if the break is too large, then you'll need to see your dentist as soon as possible. They will likely need to replace the entire crown.

In either case, once your crown is fixed, be sure to avoid chewy foods and hard candy so that you don't put undo stress on your teeth.

Treatments for a Broken Crown

There are a few different ways to treat a broken dental crown, depending on the severity of the break. If the break is minor, your dentist may be able to simply reattach the crown. However, if the break is more severe, your dentist may need to replace the entire crown.

If your dentist needs to replace your crown, they will first remove any remaining pieces of the broken crown. They will then take an impression of your tooth in order to create a new crown that fits perfectly. The new crown will be made of either porcelain or ceramic and will be color-matched to your existing teeth.

Once your new crown is ready, your dentist will bond it securely into place. With proper care, your new crown should last for many years to come!

Prevention Tips

If your dental crown has broken, it's important not to panic. There are steps you can take to prevent further damage and ensure that your smile stays healthy and beautiful.

Here are some tips for preventing a broken dental crown:

Avoid Chewing Hard Foods:

Chewing on hard foods can put stress on your dental crown and cause it to break. Stick to softer foods like cooked vegetables, yogurt, and mashed potatoes.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush:

When brushing your teeth, be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will help prevent damage to your dental crown.

Floss carefully:

Be careful when flossing around your dental crown. Gently guide the floss between your teeth and be sure not to put too much pressure on the crown.

Following these tips can help prevent a broken dental crown and help you to improve your smile to look its best.

When to See a Dentist

If your dental crown breaks, it's important to seek professional dental care as soon as possible. While it's possible to temporarily fix a broken crown at home, it's not a permanent solution and won't protect your tooth from further damage.

At your appointment, your dentist will assess the damage to your tooth and determine the best course of treatment. In some cases, the damaged crown can be repaired or replaced. However, if the underlying tooth is also damaged, you may need additional treatment, such as a root canal or extraction.

Don't wait to see a dentist if your dental crown breaks. Schedule an appointment as soon as possible to get the treatment you need to protect your smile.

Dental crowns are a great way to protect and strengthen your teeth, but accidents do happen. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having broken or cracked dental crown, don't panic! Take a deep breath and follow these steps outlined above to get your crown fixed as soon as possible. With the help of your dentist, you can have a strong and beautiful smile again in no time.

FAQs:

Q: What should I do if my dental crown falls out?

A: If your dental crown falls out, it's important to not panic. The first thing you should do is try to find the crown. If you can't find it, don't worry - your dentist can make a new one for you. In the meantime, you can use a piece of sugar-free gum or denture adhesive to hold the tooth in place until you can get to the dentist.

Q: How do I know if my dental crown is loose?

A: If your dental crown feels loose, it's important to call your dentist right away. They will likely need to adjust or replace the crown.

Q: Can I eat with my dental crown?

A: Yes, you can eat with your dental crown just like you would with your natural teeth. However, it's important to avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage the crown.