Got a Cracked Crown? Follow this Guide

Louisville, KY

Nothing can ruin your day like a cracked or damaged crown. In addition to probably being painful, a compromised crown can mean the tooth is in jeopardy, because of potential exposure of the sensitive interior structure that contains the tooth root and dental nerve. We hope you never have to deal with a cracked crown, but if this happens to you or a member of your family, follow this guide as compiled by the restorative dentists in Kentuckiana.

What is a dental crown and how does it work?

Remember that a crown usually is installed to prevent loss of a permanent tooth. A crown restores and strengthens a tooth—even one that has sustained serious damage to an injury or decay. Crowns also often are installed to complete the installation of a dental implant, or as the final step of a root canal.

A crown makes your tooth stronger, but it’s not invulnerable. If your crown becomes cracked or damaged, you’re probably going to notice right away; the tooth is going to feel jagged and probably be accompanied by some level of pain.

What should I do if my crown cracks?

See a dentist as soon as possible – Make sure to tell the office staff when making your appointment that you are calling because of a damaged crown so they can prioritize you on the schedule. This isn’t the time to be a hero. Be honest about your pain level, as this also may accelerate how quickly you’re able to be seen. Exceptional Dentistry offers emergency services as needed.

Manage the pain – Unfortunately, dental problems don’t always happen during normal business honors. Your crown might crack in the evenings, on the weekend, or during a holiday. You need to evaluate the damaged tooth first. Check in the mirror or have a loved one examine the area that’s hurting. Are there any pieces missing from the crown or hanging off your tooth? If so, you’ll want to remove them so you don’t swallow them by mistake. Gently rub your tongue over the injured tooth, feeling for jagged edges that might lacerate your tongue or other soft tissues in the mouth. If the tooth feels fairly smooth, your situation will not be as dire.

What you should do until you can see the dentist

Be honest when evaluating your level of pain. An over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or Tylenol can manage mild levels of discomfort. However, if you’re dealing with a high level of pain, extreme sensitivity in the tooth, or significant bleeding, you’ll need to seek out an emergency dentist.

If your crown falls off completely, don’t try to put it back. Instead, store the restoration in a small container or even a plastic bag. You also should avoid eating on that side of the mouth until you can get seen by a dentist.

Crown repair in Kentuckiana

Treating dental emergencies is part of the range of services we offer at Exceptional Dentistry. These services are available at each of our three locations: in Louisville or Shepherdsville, Kentucky, or Jeffersonville, Indiana. If you crack a crown or are dealing with damage to some other dental restoration, call our office at (502) 423-7868 to make an appointment or contact us online.