Broken Dental Crown Emergencies in Houston, TX
Did Your Dental Crown Break? Contact Our Emergency Dentist Near You
A broken dental crown can be a painful and stressful experience, but you’re not alone. Whether your crown has cracked, chipped, or fallen off completely, immediate action is critical to protect your oral health and avoid further complications.
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t panic! Our Houston dentist near you is here to help. Contact our dental office at (713) 360-7700 to get an appointment as soon as possible.
What Is a Dental Crown and Why Do They Break?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are typically made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these. While dental crowns are durable, they’re not indestructible.
Common Causes of a Broken Dental Crown
Some of the most common causes of broken crowns include:
- Trauma or Injury: Biting down on hard foods (e.g., nuts, ice, or candy) or experiencing a blow to the mouth can crack or dislodge a crown.
- Tooth Decay: Decay beneath the crown can weaken the underlying tooth, causing the crown to loosen or break.
- Poor Fit: If the crown wasn’t properly fitted or cemented, it may become unstable over time.
- Wear and Tear: Over the years of use, crowns can wear down, especially if you grind your teeth (bruxism).
- Material Failure: Some materials, like porcelain, are prone to chipping under excessive pressure.
Advanced Technology for Faster Treatment
Using digital X-rays and intraoral cameras, our dental team diagnoses your emergency with precision, allowing us to create a treatment plan without unnecessary delays. If you need a new dental crown, our office offers CEREC® same-day crowns, so you won’t have to deal with temporary fixes or multiple appointments to restore your tooth.
Symptoms of a Broken Crown
If your crown is damaged, you may experience:
- Sharp or throbbing pain in the affected tooth
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Visible cracks, chips, or missing pieces of the crown
- A loose or wobbly crown
- Gum irritation or swelling around the crowned tooth
If you’re dealing with any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact our dental office for emergency dental care in Houston at (713) 360-7700.
What to Do If Your Dental Crown Breaks
Stay Calm and Assess the Damage
Examine your mouth to determine the extent of the damage. If the crown is loose but still attached, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. If it’s fallen off, retrieve it if possible.
Protect the Tooth
A broken crown exposes the underlying tooth, which may be sensitive or vulnerable to further damage. To protect it:
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to clean the area.
- Apply dental cement, dental wax, or even sugar-free chewing gum (as a temporary fix) to cover the exposed tooth.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything too hot, cold, or acidic.
Save the Crown
If the crown has come off, store it in a clean, dry container or a plastic bag. Bring it to our dentist, Dr. Dave, as it may be reusable.
Manage Pain
If you’re experiencing discomfort:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (follow dosage instructions).
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
Contact Our Dentist Near You Immediately
Time is critical in a dental emergency. Contact Dentistry of Highland Village at (713) 360-7700 to schedule an urgent appointment. Delaying treatment can lead to infection, further tooth damage, or the need for more extensive procedures.
Treatment Options for a Broken Dental Crown
Re-cementing the Crown
If the crown is intact and the underlying tooth is undamaged, our Houston dentist may be able to clean and re-cement the crown. This is a quick and cost-effective solution.
Repairing the Crown
For minor chips or cracks, Dr. Dave may repair the crown using composite resin or other dental materials to restore its shape and function.
Replacing the Crown
If the crown is severely damaged or no longer fits properly, a new crown will likely be necessary. Our dentist will create a new custom crown for you.
Treating Underlying Issues
If decay or damage to the underlying tooth caused the crown to break, our dentist may recommend:
- Filling or Root Canal Treatment: To address decay or infection in the tooth.
- Post and Core Build-Up: To strengthen a severely damaged tooth before placing a new crown.
- Extraction: In rare cases, if the tooth is beyond repair, extraction and replacement options like dental implants or bridges may be considered.
Temporary Crown
While waiting for a permanent crown (which may take a few days to fabricate), our dentist in Houston may place a temporary crown to protect the tooth. To schedule an appointment with our emergency dentist, contact Dentistry of Highland Village at (713) 360-7700.
Frequently Asked Questions
Never use household glues like super glue, as they can damage the crown and tooth. Use temporary dental cement from a pharmacy and see a dentist immediately.
Re-cementing or repairing a crown can often be done in one visit (30 to 60 minutes). Replacing a crown may require two visits, with a temporary crown placed in the meantime.
Emergency Dental Services Near You
A broken dental crown doesn’t have to disrupt your life. At Dentistry of Highland Village, we’re here to restore your smile with fast, professional care and the appropriate treatments. Don’t wait! Every moment counts when it comes to protecting your oral health.
Contact the best dentist in Houston by calling (713) 360-7700.
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| Tuesday | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
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