Crowns are a common form of dental restoration. They preserve the shape, size and integrity of your teeth and smile. Crowns close gaps between worn or damaged teeth. They also protect fragile teeth prone to fracturing, particularly after procedures such as root canal treatments.

Rather like teeth, crowns are subject to breakage. Occasionally, crowns even fall out.

What to do Until You See Your Dentist

In a perfect world, you’re able to see your dentist promptly after your crown breaks or falls out. The sooner the better. Sadly, there is often an interim period between the time your crown requires professional attention and actually receives it.

Here are some tips to protect your crown and the underlying tooth while you’re waiting to see your dentist. If the surface of your tooth feels sensitive, use a cotton swab to apply clove oil or dental cement directly to the tooth’s surface.

It might be possible to slip your crown back over your tooth. Be sure to clean it thoroughly and coat it with dental cement or adhesive. This is a temporary solution that is precarious at best, but it can serve as a makeshift remedy until you receive professional treatment.

Dental Treatment for Broken Crowns

If you keep the crown after it breaks, your dentist may be able to reapply it. First, your dentist cleans and examines the crown as well as any remaining tooth structure. It’s important that the crown isn’t defective or decayed.

A clinical exam and X-rays can confirm that your crown still fits and can adapt easily to your tooth structure. If this is the case, your dentist prepares your crown for re-cementation.

If your crown is defective or lost, it’s advisable to be fitted for a temporary crown. While you wear your temporary crown, your dentist attempts to make a new crown after undertaking several preparations.

Post-Surgery Recommendations

After surgery, take it easy for a least a day. Certain types of cements require time to set without disturbances from constant talking or other activities. As a general rule, avoid hard or sticky foods so as not to corrupt or disrupt the cement while it sets.

If your dental treatment involved numbing your mouth, wait for the numbness to wear off before eating. It’s too easy to bite and seriously injure the interior of your mouth or lips if you eat while your mouth is still numb.

Inform your dentist immediately in the event of any discomfort. Timely interception of any hidden issues is the best defense against damage. Adhere closely to each tip for the most comfortable, successful post-surgery experience.

When Should You Return For Checkups?

Have your dentist check your crowns every six months. During a routine checkup, your dentist takes bitewing X-rays and checks the margins and contacts to gauge health and spot problems.

Checkups are essential to the long term fitness of your crowns and should not be avoided. Some types of restoration or crowns require more frequent visits for optimal oral health.

What’s the Secret to Lasting Crowns?

There are several factors that influence the lifespan of a given crown. Crowns that tend to last longer

• Are well made
• Fit perfectly
• Have optimal marginal seals
• Have crown margins that are adaptable to tooth structure

Your dentist continuously checks the soundness of each factor during your routine visits. Any deficiency in the above categories can result in a defective or ill-fitting crown. Ill-fitting and defective crowns are difficult to maintain and highly subject to breakage.

After Your Crown is Fitted and Cemented

To preserve the soundness of your crown, develop a handful of time-tested habits prescribed by dentists globally:

• Brush twice daily. We recommend an electric toothbrush. Focus your toothbrush on the place where your gums and teeth meet.
• Floss after each brushing session.
• Remove plaque chemically and mechanically with an anti-bacterial mouthwash containing fluoride.
• Wear a night guard to protect your crown from grinding. Avoid hard foods that can break or damage your crown.

Do you have crowns? Are you exploring the possibility of getting crowns? Don’t make any decisions without getting tons of concrete feedback from one of the skilled, knowledgeable dentists at our West Hollywood practice. Give us a call today for a free dental consultation. We look forward to helping you in any way we can.