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6 Tips for When You Break a Dental Crown

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Dental crowns are normally very durable, but if you bite too hard, it is possible for a crown to crack or fall out. Here are a few tips you can follow to resolve this problem if it happens to you. 

1. Keep the Crown Safe

If your dental crown is loose, remove it and put it in a safe place. An emergency dentist might be able to reattach the crown if you keep it safe. However, if the crown has shattered or it has fallen into the sink drain, do not worry. A dentist can produce a new crown that is an exact fit for the broken tooth.

2. Stop Any Bleeding

When dental crowns break, they often scratch the gums, cheek lining or tongue. If your mouth is bleeding, rinse it gently with water and then bite down on a gauze pad until the bleeding stops. If there is a lot of blood and you can't make it stop, contact an emergency dentist right away.

3. Schedule an Appointment

Broken dental crowns aren't always dental emergencies, but they do need prompt treatment. Call your dentist and explain what has happened. If your dentist doesn't think you need to come in right away, follow the rest of these steps to manage your broken crown until it is time for your dental appointment.

4. Carry Out a Temporary Repair

Pharmacies sell dental cement, which you can use to temporarily repair a broken tooth. Begin by cleaning the tooth. You can then either use the dental cement to glue the crown back into place, or simply use it to cover the inner nerve of the tooth to reduce its sensitivity.

5. Take Pain Medications

Pain medications can help to resolve the ache that is caused by a broken crown. You can take either paracetamol or ibuprofen, but avoid taking aspirin, which can increase your risk of bleeding from the gums when the dentist repairs your crown. If you need more pain relief or you cannot take paracetamol or ibuprofen, ask your pharmacist for advice.

6. Use Ice to Reduce Pain

While you wait for a dental appointment, you can use ice to relieve your pain. Cold causes blood vessels to constrict, which can help to reduce sensitivity in your teeth and gums. Wrap ice in a cloth and press it against your cheek. Don't put the ice directly against your cheek as the cold can damage the skin.


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