Dental crowns are designed to be durable, but accidents can happen. Whether it's biting into something hard or grinding your teeth at night without realizing it, a cracked or fallen dental crown can be an unnerving experience. If this happens to you, don't worry—we'll guide you through the steps to protect your tooth and get you back to smiling confidently.
Below, we’ll outline what to do when a dental crown is damaged or displaced, how to take care of the affected area at home, and your options for professional treatment.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first thing many of us feel when a dental crown falls off or breaks is panic, but it’s important to stay calm. Your crown breaking isn't necessarily an emergency, but it does require prompt attention to avoid further complications.
Start by removing the dislodged crown from your mouth to avoid accidentally swallowing or choking on it. If the crown came off in its entirety and isn’t damaged, keep it in a safe, clean container. If the crown is broken or cracked, try to collect all the pieces.
While waiting to see a dental professional, avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth, and stay away from hot, cold, or sugary foods that might irritate the exposed tooth.
Protect the Tooth Until You See Your Dentist
If the tooth is sensitive or causing discomfort, you can use dental cement, available at most drugstores, or even something simple like ChapStick or Vaseline to temporarily secure the crown back in place. Avoid using adhesives like glue, which aren’t safe for oral use.
For broken crowns or if you can’t get the crown to stay on, covering the exposed tooth with a small piece of dental wax or chewing gum can help shield it from irritants. Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen can also provide temporary relief for any discomfort. Remember, these are short-term solutions to keep you comfortable while you schedule a visit with your dentist.
Lastly, practice good oral hygiene by gently brushing around the affected area to keep it clean. This reduces the risk of bacteria causing further damage or decay.
Visit Your Dentist for Treatment Options
The most crucial step in addressing a cracked or fallen dental crown is seeing a dentist as soon as possible. At Suwanee Family Dentistry, we specialize in restorative dentistry, and we’re here to help restore both the function and health of your tooth.
When you come in, our team will examine the condition of your tooth and the crown. For crowns that have fallen off but are undamaged, we may be able to simply resecure it after cleaning and preparing the tooth. If the crown is cracked or beyond repair, we’ll explore options for replacing it.
If there’s damage to the tooth itself—like decay or fractures—additional treatment may be needed before placing a new crown. Our goal is to ensure your tooth is healthy and fully protected, so you can feel confident in your smile moving forward.
For patients dealing with ongoing issues like night grinding, we may also recommend preventative solutions such as a customized night guard to protect your dental work and natural teeth.
Take Preventative Steps After Treatment
Once your crown has been repaired or replaced, taking preventative measures can help avoid similar situations in the future. Here are some tips to keep your dental work in great shape:
- Be mindful of what you eat: Avoid excessively hard or sticky foods that could damage your crown.
- Maintain good dental hygiene: Brushing and flossing daily will help keep the tooth underneath the crown and surrounding gum tissue healthy.
- Schedule regular check-ups: Routine visits enable us to monitor the condition of your crown and address any issues early.
Rest assured, our team is always here to support you with compassionate care and expert guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crown Issues
What should I do if I can’t see a dentist right away?
If immediate access to a dentist isn’t possible, use over-the-counter dental cement or something like Vaseline or ChapStick to temporarily secure the crown back in place or cover exposed areas with dental wax to protect the tooth. Avoid chewing on the affected side and keep the area clean with gentle brushing until you can schedule an appointment.
Can a damaged crown be repaired, or will I need a new one?
It depends on the extent of the damage. Minor cracks or chips may be repaired, while severe damage typically requires a replacement. During your visit, our expert team will evaluate your crown and provide the best solution tailored to your needs.
At Suwanee Family Dentistry, we understand how stressful dental emergencies can be. Whether it’s a cracked crown or a chipped tooth, our skilled team is here to provide the care, reassurance, and solutions you need. Don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule your next appointment—we’re just a call away.