Can my child wait to see a dentist for a knocked-out baby tooth?

Even if it's a baby tooth, seeking prompt attention for a knocked-out tooth is crucial. While baby teeth will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth, immediate care can prevent complications and ensure the overall health of your child's mouth.

What if I'm not sure if my situation qualifies as a dental emergency?

If you're unsure whether your situation requires immediate attention, it's always better to be on the side of caution. Contact your dental office, and their experienced team can guide you over the phone. Dental professionals would rather you seek help and find out it's not an emergency than delay care for a serious issue.

What precautions should I take to prevent dental emergencies?

While some emergencies are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk. These include wearing a mouthguard during physical activities, avoiding chewing on hard objects, maintaining good oral hygiene, and attending regular check-ups to catch and address issues before they become emergencies.

Will my insurance cover emergency dental treatments?

Insurance coverage for emergency dentistry varies depending on your specific plan and provider. Many dental offices work with a range of insurance providers and will do their best to assist you in understanding your coverage. They may also offer flexible payment options for uninsured or underinsured patients.

Broken Dental Crown | Emergency Dentist in Tacoma, WA

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 durability, dental crowns can sometimes suffer damage, requiring urgent attention to prevent further complications.

If you have a broken crown on your tooth, you may be wondering what steps to take immediately. Contact Petrie Advanced Dental immediately if you’re looking for treatment. Our Tacoma, WA, emergency dentist will help get your oral health back on track—call (253) 761-5422.

Causes of Broken Dental Crowns

Dental crowns can break or become dislodged due to various reasons, including:

Trauma: Direct impact to the mouth or face.
Chewing Hard Foods: Biting down on hard objects or foods.
Tooth Decay: Underlying decay weakens the tooth structure.
Age: Wear and tear over time.
Faulty Crown Fit: Improper placement or fit of the crown.
Grinding Teeth: Bruxism (teeth grinding) can stress the crown.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Neglecting oral care leads to decay around the crown.

Symptoms of a Broken Dental Crown

Recognizing the signs of a broken dental crown can help prompt timely intervention:

Visible Damage: Cracks, fractures, or pieces missing from the crown.
Tooth Sensitivity: Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages.
Pain or Discomfort: Especially when chewing or biting down.
Looseness: Feeling that the crown is loose or unstable.
Gum Irritation: Irritation or inflammation around the crowned tooth.

Immediate Actions to Take for a Broken Crown on Tooth

When faced with a broken dental crown, you need to take these immediate steps:

Retrieve the Crown: If possible, locate and keep the broken crown pieces.
Rinse: Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort.
Avoid Chewing: Refrain from chewing on the side with the broken crown.
Contact Our Tacoma Dentist: Schedule an emergency appointment with our dentist.

Temporary Solutions for a Broken Dental Crown

Use Temporary Dental Cement

Temporary dental cement is useful for managing a broken dental crown and a temporary crown. Available at most drug stores, it can reattach a small broken piece or cover the exposed tooth, protecting it until you see your dentist. Designed for dental emergencies, it helps keep the underlying tooth safe from further damage.

Remember, this is a temporary fix, and you should contact our dentist in Tacoma soon for a permanent solution.

Apply Dental Wax

Dental wax is another effective temporary solution for a broken crown. It can cover the sharp edges of the broken crown, preventing irritation to your gums and mouth. This measure ensures comfort and prevents further injury while waiting for your dental appointment.

Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods

Avoiding certain foods is essential to prevent further complications from a broken dental crown. Hard foods like nuts and candies, and sticky foods like gum and caramel, can cause additional damage or dislodge the crown further. Stick to softer foods that require minimal chewing to protect the broken crown until professional care is available.

How to Protect Your Tooth

Protecting the exposed tooth is crucial to avoiding infections and further damage. Temporary dental cement or denture adhesive can temporarily shield the tooth. Over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses manage discomfort and reduce swelling.

Good oral hygiene is also essential. Here are some tips to maintain it:

Gently rinse your mouth with warm water.
Avoid irritating substances to keep the area clean.
Avoid crunchy, chewy, or tough foods that can aggravate the exposed tooth and delay healing.

Repairing or Replacing a Broken Crown

Assessing the Damage

To assess the damage, our dentist will typically remove the broken crown and evaluate any underlying issues with the tooth structure. Keeping the broken crown to show your dentist can help understand the damage and determine the best course of action.

Repairing the Existing Crown

If the crown is intact but loose, it can often be easily reattached. In many cases, a damaged dental crown can be repaired instead of completely replaced, saving time and money. Our dentist will clean the underlying tooth and apply dental cement to secure the crown.

The appropriate treatment for a broken dental crown depends on the severity of the damage:

Crown Repair: If the damage is minimal, your dentist may be able to repair the crown.
Crown Replacement: Extensive damage may require replacing the crown entirely.
Temporary Measures: Our Tacoma dentist may apply a temporary crown or protective covering until a permanent solution is ready.
Evaluation: Dr. Petrie will assess the underlying tooth to ensure no further complications exist.

Getting a New Dental Crown

A severely damaged dental crown can’t be repaired and must be replaced. A new crown can be made by our dentist or a specialty laboratory using impressions or digital scans to create a precise fit. Dental crowns typically last between 10 to 15 years, but a new crown ensures continued protection and functionality of the tooth.

Two girl friends smiling with each other at the beach

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a broken dental crown cause pain?

If your dental crown breaks, you may expose sensitive tooth structures, causing discomfort or pain. Contact your dentist immediately for an emergency dental crown treatment to ease your pain and prevent further damage to your natural teeth.

Can I reattach a broken dental crown myself?

It is possible to use temporary dental cement from a drug store to reattach a broken dental crown or cover the exposed tooth until you can visit your dentist. However, professional dental care is recommended for a long-lasting solution.

What foods should I avoid with a broken dental crown?

To protect your broken dental crown, avoid hard and sticky foods like nuts, candies, and chewing gum. Instead, opt for softer foods that require minimal chewing to prevent additional damage.

How can I protect my dental crowns from future breakages?

To protect your dental crowns from future breakages, ensure you attend regular dental check-ups, practice proper oral care, and utilize mouthguards during sports or while sleeping. These measures will significantly enhance the longevity of your crowns.

Contact Our Tacoma Dentist When Your Dental Crown Falls Out or Breaks

For personalized advice or immediate assistance with a broken dental crown, don’t hesitate to reach out to our trusted dental professional. A broken dental crown is usually considered a dental emergency!

To schedule your appointment, contact our dentist in Tacoma by calling (253) 761-5422. We serve patients in Lakewood, Federal Way, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and University Place.