How to Handle a Broken Dental Crown Until Your Appointment

Breaking a dental crown can feel like a nightmare, especially if it happens unexpectedly or at an inconvenient time. I can tell you from personal experience, it’s easy to panic when you notice a chipped or completely broken crown. When my own crown broke a while back, I had no idea what to do until I could get an appointment with my dentist. After that experience, I wanted to share some practical tips and steps on how to handle a broken dental crown until you’re able to see your dentist, so you don’t have to feel helpless in the meantime.

1. Assess the Damage

The first thing you’ll need to do when you notice that your dental crown has broken is assess the extent of the damage. In my case, I thought I had only chipped the crown a little, but after a closer look, I realized that part of the crown had actually come loose. This difference is important because it will determine the level of urgency and how you handle it. If only a small part of the crown is damaged, it may still be in place, and you might not feel much discomfort. However, if the entire crown is missing or has come off, you might expose the underlying tooth, which could cause sensitivity or even pain.

2. Control Pain and Sensitivity

When I broke my crown, I felt a sudden surge of sensitivity in the exposed tooth. The cold air and food hitting the exposed area made the discomfort unbearable. The first thing I did was manage the pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce both pain and swelling, so make sure you take them according to the instructions. If you're experiencing sharp sensitivity, using a desensitizing toothpaste or applying clove oil to the area can help temporarily relieve the discomfort. I found that placing a piece of dental wax or cotton on the exposed tooth helped cushion it from the outside elements, so this is something you can try as well.

3. Keep the Area Clean

One of the most important things to keep in mind when handling a broken dental crown is to maintain proper oral hygiene. After my crown broke, I was extra careful about keeping the area clean to avoid infection or further complications. Gently brush the affected area with a soft toothbrush and use a mild toothpaste. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can also help prevent bacteria buildup and keep the area clean until your dental appointment. Be cautious when brushing around the broken crown, though, as you don't want to aggravate the exposed tooth or gum tissue.

4. Protect the Broken Crown with Temporary Solutions

If your crown has completely come off, it's essential to protect the exposed tooth from further damage. One of the things I did was to carefully place the broken crown back onto the tooth temporarily using dental cement, which you can find at most drugstores. I was surprised by how easy it was to do this, and it held the crown in place until I could get into my dentist’s office. Another option is to use dental wax, which works well for filling gaps and preventing any sharp edges from hurting your tongue or gums. However, keep in mind that these are temporary fixes and are not meant to replace a professional dental restoration.

5. Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods

It might be tempting to eat your usual meals, but after I broke my crown, I quickly learned that eating hard or sticky foods could cause more damage. I avoided crunchy snacks, chewy candies, or anything that could put additional pressure on the broken crown. Opt for softer foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies to minimize any risk of aggravating the damage. I also found that cutting up my food into smaller pieces made eating much more comfortable. This is especially important to avoid further stressing the remaining parts of your crown or exposing the tooth more than necessary.

6. Schedule an Appointment with Your Dentist

Once I had my broken crown under control, the next step was to get an appointment with my dentist. In some cases, your dentist may be able to see you quickly, but in other cases, you may have to wait a bit longer. It’s essential not to delay this appointment because leaving a broken crown untreated could lead to more serious complications, like tooth decay or gum issues. If you can't get in right away, ask your dentist if they have an emergency option or if they can provide you with any additional advice until your appointment. Most dental offices will have a solution for situations like these and can offer advice over the phone.

7. Consider a Temporary Crown

If the damage to your crown is severe or your dentist is unable to fit you in right away, they may recommend placing a temporary crown. This is a great solution for keeping your tooth protected while you wait for your permanent restoration. In my case, I was lucky to have a dentist who was able to place a temporary crown quickly, which gave me peace of mind until the permanent one was ready. If a temporary crown is needed, your dentist will custom-fit it to your tooth so that it stays in place securely. This option allows you to function normally while still ensuring that your tooth remains protected.

8. Avoid Using the Tooth for Chewing

While it might seem like common sense, I want to emphasize that it’s crucial to avoid chewing on the broken tooth. I remember one time when I broke a crown and instinctively tried to eat a sandwich. This caused more discomfort, and I realized that using the broken tooth for chewing could result in further damage or delay the repair process. Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the broken crown or exposed tooth.

9. Stay Calm and Patient

Lastly, it’s important to stay calm and patient. I know it’s easy to feel stressed out when a dental emergency like this happens, but it’s helpful to remember that broken crowns are a common issue, and there are ways to handle the situation effectively. In the end, your dentist will be able to fix the problem, and you’ll be back to normal in no time. Stay calm, follow these steps, and focus on taking care of your mouth until you can get to your appointment.

If you’re looking for the best dental care and tips, make sure to check out our website at Dentistry Toothtruth for expert advice and recommendations on finding the best dental services near you. Taking care of your oral health should always be a priority, and with the right resources, you can navigate any dental challenge with confidence!