If a person has a cracked tooth crown, they should get it checked by a dentist as soon as possible. Self-medication or attempting to repair the crown yourself is harmful and will slow the treatment process.
The sooner the chipped crown is repaired, the better. Once the tooth’s root has died, it’s nearly impossible to recover it and return it to normal.
Cracking a tooth crown happens from excessively biting, grinding, or falling. The more force applied to the tooth, the more likely the crown will crack. Below, we’ll explain what to do about this situation with the help of a dentist in your area.
Contact Your Dentist
You should call your dentist immediately when you have a cracked toothcap. If you don’t do this right away, the crack could get worse, leading to more extensive and expensive dental work in the future. Your dentist will give you a full exam to determine if the damage is bad.
They will also look for signs of infection or decay and see if the tooth structure underneath has been damaged. Based on what they find, they suggest the right treatment, which could be anything from fixing the crown to doing more extensive dental work if the tooth’s health is in danger.
Avoid Chewing on That Side
It is very important not to chew on the side with the cracked crown. This safety measure needs to be taken because the crown might not protect as well as it did before the crack.
If you chew on that side, you could put too much force on the damaged crown, which could cause more damage or even cause it to fall out. It’s best to stick to things that are soft and chew on the other side of your mouth. This simple step can help stop problems from happening right away and make it easier for your dentist to help you.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Even if you have a cracked crown, it’s important to keep up with your normal oral hygiene practice. Keep brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. Pay special attention to the area around the broken crown, but be careful not to make it worse.
Keeping the area clean makes it less likely that germs will cause illness or decay. Also, good oral care is good for the health of your mouth as a whole and can help you avoid more dental problems that could come up because of the cracked crown.
Pain Management
If the cracked crown is making you feel pain or discomfort, over-the-counter pain medicines can help temporarily. Pain and swelling can be helped by over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Always take the dose that’s written on the package, and talk to your dentist if the pain lasts or gets worse.
It’s important not to put aspirin or any other medicine directly on the sore because this can hurt the gum tissue around it. Remember that pain is often your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong, so it’s important to get dental care as soon as possible to fix the problem.
Preserve the Crown
If your cracked crown has come loose but is still intact, it’s essential to handle it carefully to preserve it. The crown can be a vital part of protecting the underlying tooth and maintaining your dental health. In some cases, you may be able to temporarily reattach the crown yourself using dental cement, which is available at most drugstores.
Follow the product’s instructions carefully, and ensure you place the crown in its correct orientation. However, this is a temporary solution, and it’s crucial to see your dentist promptly for a more permanent fix.
So, if you’re in the NC area and need urgent assistance with your cracked tooth crown, consider contacting an emergency dentist in Greensboro, NC, for immediate evaluation and care.
Be Prepared for Replacement
Depending on the extent of the damage to the cracked crown and the underlying tooth, your dentist may recommend replacing the crown entirely. If the crown is extensively cracked or if there are signs of damage to the tooth structure beneath it, a new crown may be necessary.
Your dentist will discuss your options with you, which may include different materials for the new crown or even consider alternative dental restorations, such as inlays, onlays, or dental implants if the tooth is severely compromised. It’s essential to follow your dentist’s recommendations to ensure that your dental health is restored effectively and that you avoid potential complications in the future.
Follow Your Dentist’s Recommendations
Your dentist is the best person to look at your cracked tooth crown and figure out how to fix it. After evaluating your case, they will give you specific advice that fits your needs. This could mean setting up follow-up meetings for the crown to be looked at again or changed.
It’s important to follow their instructions and get regular dental checkups to make sure your repaired tooth stays healthy in the long run. By doing what your dentist tells you to do, you can be sure that your dental problem will be taken care of in a way that will keep it from getting worse and keep your general oral health in good shape.
Consider Potential Causes
As you fix your crown problems, it’s a good time to talk to your dentist about what might have caused it. If you know what caused the damage to the crown, you can take steps to avoid similar problems in the future.
Cracked crowns are often caused by biting down on hard things, grinding your teeth (bruxism), or decay that weakens the tooth structure under the crown. Your dentist can help you make changes to your lifestyle or take precautions, like a custom-fitted nightguard for teeth-grinding, to lower the risk of future dental problems.
Don’t Frown with a Cracked Tooth Crown
A cracked tooth crown should not be ignored as it can lead to further damage and discomfort. It is important to seek professional advice and guidance for proper treatment.
Remember to keep the cracked area clean and avoid biting on hard foods. Don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today to address the issue and restore your smile.
