Every so often, many of our patients come to our clinic and inform us that their dental crowns have been damaged or broken. It seems this problem is more common than we thought. Fortunately, there are several solutions available to fix a broken dental crown. If this happens:
- First, contact your dentist.
- Depending on the severity, they may recommend re-cementing or replacing the crown.
- Before visiting your dentist, you should also take some steps to prevent further complications.
- Avoid hard foods, keep the area clean, and use dental wax to smooth the sharp edges of your crown and reduce discomfort.
In this blog, we will explain how to fix a broken dental crown. Are you ready to learn? Keep reading!
What Are the Best Solutions for a Broken Dental Crown?
| Problem | Temporary Solution | Permanent Solution |
| Chipped or cracked crown | Use dental adhesive and avoid chewing on that side | Your dentist may smooth or repair the crown |
| The crown is loose but not broken | Using dental wax can smooth the sharp edges of the crown | Re-cementing is required |
| A completely broken crown | Consume soft foods and keep the broken pieces | You should get a new dental crown |
Signs that Indicate a Broken Dental Crown
A broken dental crown may occur due to various causes, including poor oral hygiene, the age of the crown, accidents, and chewing or biting hard foods or objects. However, a broken or damaged dental crown usually comes with several symptoms. Our patients often report the following signs:
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Pain and discomfort, especially when chewing or biting
- Noticeable chips or cracks
- Loose crown
Let’s read Will’s experience together:
“I didn’t realize my crown was cracked until I started feeling pain when chewing. At first, I thought it was just sensitivity, but after a few days, the pain got worse. I went to my dentist at Woodbridge Smile Centre, and he found that my crown had cracked, causing some discomfort. I got it fixed that same day, and it feels much better now.”
Restore Your Smile With Our Experts!
If you are looking for an experienced and trustworthy dentist to fix or replace your dental crown, you’ve come to the right place. We can restore your smile and confidence at Woodbridge Smile Centre.
Book your appointment today!
What Happens If You Ignore a Broken Crown
Postponing or ignoring a broken dental crown can lead to more serious problems, such as infection, pain, tooth decay, increased sensitivity, and shifting. These problems might need more complex and expensive treatments. You should contact your dentist immediately if you notice any signs of a broken or damaged crown.
How to Use Temporary Dental Cement
If your dental crown is loose or broken, you can use dental cement or dental adhesive before visiting your dentist for a permanent solution. You can find temporary dental cement at pharmacies. Clean your tooth and crown with warm and clean water. Follow the instructions on the package to prepare the cement. After that, use a cotton swab and apply it inside your crown. Once the cement is applied, place the crown back on the tooth.
Preventing Future Breakage of Your Dental Crown
To avoid further complications with your dental crowns, you should follow some simple steps to ensure your crowns remain strong and durable.
- Oral hygiene: According to the News medical website, it is important for patients to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and floss teeth with care daily to prevent bacteria accumulation and tooth decay. Keep in mind to gently brush your teeth around your dental crown to avoid dislodging it.
- Avoid hard and crunchy foods: Chewing hard foods and biting hard objects, such as ice or candies can cause damage and breakage to your dental crown.
- Use a mouthguard: For individuals with teeth grinding (bruxism), we usually recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect their teeth and crowns from wear and tear.
- Take regular examinations seriously: During regular checkups, your dentist can identify potential issues before they become more serious.
You can trust our professional team at Woodbridge Smile Centre. Our expert dentists and caring staff have years of experience in handling issues with dental crowns. Schedule an appointment immediately before the problem worsens.
FAQs
Can I fix a broken dental crown at home?
You cannot permanently fix a broken dental crown at home, but you can manage the situation temporarily. Over-the-counter dental cement or adhesive can help reattach a loose crown for a short time. Avoid using super glue or other household adhesives, as they are unsafe for oral use. If the crown is sharp or irritating, cover it with dental wax.
How long can I leave a broken crown untreated?
While a minor chip might not require immediate attention, a severely broken crown should be addressed within a few days. Waiting too long could result in the need for a more complex and costly dental procedure, such as a root canal or extraction.
Is it necessary to replace a broken crown immediately?
It depends on the severity of the break. If the crown is completely detached or causing pain, it should be replaced as soon as possible. If only a small chip or crack is present, your dentist may be able to repair it without immediate replacement.
What happens if my dental crown keeps breaking?
If your dental crown keeps breaking, it could be due to an improper fit, underlying tooth decay, teeth grinding (bruxism), or using it to bite hard foods. Your dentist may recommend a stronger material, such as zirconia or metal, for better durability. A night guard might be necessary if grinding is the issue. Frequent crown breakage can also indicate problems with your bite alignment, which may require orthodontic correction.
