A broken temporary crown can be alarming, but determining whether it’s a dental emergency depends on the severity of the situation. Temporary crowns play an important role in protecting your tooth until a permanent crown can be placed, and any damage to them could lead to discomfort or complications. Here’s a guide on how to assess the situation and what steps you should take.
Signs of a Broken Temporary Crown
Knowing the signs of a broken temporary crown helps you take swift action. A broken crown can lead to discomfort and may expose your tooth to further damage or infection.
Common signs include:
- Visible cracks or fractures
- Sharp edges that may irritate your tongue or cheeks
- The crown feels loose or has fallen off
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Pain or discomfort while chewing
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to address them as soon as possible. Leaving a broken temporary crown untreated can increase the risk of more significant dental issues, such as infections or further damage to the tooth.
Is It a Dental Emergency?
Not all broken temporary crowns require immediate emergency treatment. However, certain symptoms suggest that immediate dental care is needed.
Signs that indicate a dental emergency:
- Severe pain or sensitivity
- Swelling in the gums or face
- Bleeding around the tooth
- Difficulty eating or speaking
- The crown has completely come off, exposing the tooth
In such cases, you should seek emergency dental care immediately. Failing to do so may result in more severe complications, such as infections or damage to the underlying tooth structure.
Immediate Steps to Take
While waiting to see your dentist, there are immediate actions you can take to protect the affected tooth and minimise discomfort:
| Step | Description |
| 1. Remove Loose Pieces | Carefully remove any loose fragments of the crown to avoid swallowing or damaging nearby teeth. |
| 2. Clean the Area | Gently rinse the area with warm water to remove debris and reduce the risk of infection. |
| 3. Use Temporary Fixes | Apply dental cement or temporary filling material (available at pharmacies) to cover the tooth. |
| 4. Avoid Chewing on That Side | Stick to soft foods and avoid putting pressure on the broken crown until your dental appointment. |
Following these steps helps protect the tooth and reduce the chances of infection until you can see your dentist.
What To Do If the Broken Temporary Crown is Not an Emergency?
If the break is minor and doesn’t cause severe pain or complications, you may not need immediate emergency care. However, it’s still important to contact your dentist to schedule an appointment to fix or replace the temporary crown.
What you should do in the meantime:
- Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can further dislodge the crown.
- Use over-the-counter dental cement to cover any sharp edges.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent infection around the exposed tooth.
Although this situation might not require immediate emergency treatment, you should still see your dentist to avoid future complications.
Contacting Your Dentist
Upon noticing a broken temporary crown, the first thing to do is contact your dentist to schedule an appointment. Dental clinics generally have provisions for emergencies and can help repair or replace the crown promptly.
What to discuss during the call:
- Clearly explain the situation, especially if you’re experiencing pain or discomfort.
- Ask the dental office for advice on managing the broken crown at home until your appointment.
- Make sure to mention any symptoms such as swelling, sensitivity, or bleeding.
Timely dental care is essential to avoid further complications and maintain the health of the tooth beneath the temporary crown.
Key Takeaways
- Assess the damage: Minor breaks may not require immediate emergency treatment, but severe pain, swelling, or exposed teeth indicate an emergency.
- Immediate steps: Protect the exposed tooth with over-the-counter dental cement and avoid chewing on the affected side.
- Contact your dentist: Schedule an appointment promptly, especially if you experience pain, swelling, or discomfort.
In case of a broken temporary crown, it’s essential to act swiftly to prevent further complications. Dentists in Pymble, located at Ground Floor, Building 3, Suite 304 Pymble Corporate Centre, 20 Bridge Street, Pymble NSW 2073, are ready to assist with dental emergencies. Don’t delay seeking professional dental care to safeguard your oral health.
