You’ve just sat down in the theater to enjoy the newest superhero movie and you’re treating yourself to some sticky sweet taffy. Just as the movie begins, you take a big bite and feel something crunchy. You spit the taffy out into your hand to find out that your crown has come off! What should you do in situations like these? Keep reading to find out why dental crowns in Casper break, and what you can do about it.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are “caps,” usually made of porcelain, that can be used to:
- Protect a weakened tooth
- Restore a tooth that has been treated with root canal therapy or a dental implant
- Treat cavities too large for a common filling
- Correct the appearance of a misshapen tooth
What Should I Do If a Crown Breaks?
The first thing you should do if your crown breaks is call your dentist and let them know. If you are in pain, tell them. That way they can schedule you in as soon as possible to treat your pain. If your crown breaks when your dentist’s office is closed, there are a few things you can do in the meantime:
- Have a friend or family member examine the area, or do it yourself in the mirror. Make sure there are no loose pieces you might accidentally swallow.
- If you are in mild pain, an over-the-counter painkiller should hold you over until you can see your emergency dentist in Casper. For more severe pain, you could apply clove oil to the area with a cotton swab. You can find clove oil at drugstores or in the spice aisle at most supermarkets.
- If the crown is not broken, you may be able to slip it back on over the tooth until you can see your dentist. First, clean the inside of the crown. Use tooth cement, denture adhesive, or petroleum jelly to coat the inside of the crown. You can find all of these things at most pharmacies. Do NOT use household glues, as they can damage both your crown and the tooth underneath it.
Why Do Crowns Break?
Crowns can break or fall out for many reasons, including:
- Chewing hard and sticky foods. Avoid chewing sticky foods like taffy and hard foods like popcorn kernels on the side of your mouth with the crown. Of course, a weakened crown can come off when eating any kind of foods, but limiting hard and sticky foods can decrease your chances of the crown weakening in the first place.
- Grinding or clenching. Many of us grind or clench our teeth without paying attention, often while we are asleep. Since we can’t control grinding when we’re asleep, the only thing to do is wear a nightguard from your dentist. At your next appointment, ask your dentist to evaluate your teeth for nighttime grinding.
- Age. Crowns are designed to last a long time, but they are not permanent. They will typically need to be replaced after ten to fifteen years. They can gradually become weaker with time, especially as we chew with them. If you have had your crown for several years, ask your dentist when you should get a new one.
As with any emergency, letting your dentist know when you have broken a crown is the most urgent thing. Seeing your emergency dentist is key in making sure that your tooth does not shift or get irritated without the crown.
About the Author
Dr. Erin Prach earned her doctorate at the University of Colorado’s School of Dental Medicine. She has studied oral surgery while on a mission trip in Guatemala. She will make sure you’re well taken care of during an emergency. If your dental crown falls out, contact her here or call (307)-337-4770.