Why Losing A Dental Crown Should Be Considered Urgent and What You Can Do When It Happens

Quality dental crowns are a highly versatile dental solution due to their ability to protect a tooth from so many different afflictions. A crown can protect a tooth that has become cracked, is compromised from advanced decay, has undergone a root canal, and more. This is accomplished because the crown completely encapsulates the tooth, protecting it from further damage from external forces. But what do you do if your crown breaks or cracks? Patients in Aurora, Illinois, turn to Dr. Khaja Mohsinuddin and the friendly team at Total Health Dental.

While a broken or even lost dental crown may not always constitute a dire dental emergency, you should seek dental assistance as soon as possible. Understanding the function a dental crown plays in your oral health can help you understand why you must not delay getting your broken or lost dental crown replaced.

The Function of a Dental Crown

Before you can understand what a dental crown does, you must know what it is. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap, popularly crafted from porcelain and is cemented over your tooth to protect it from further damage. Because it is cemented in place, it is a restorative device meant to last years. However, there are times when a porcelain dental crown can chip, crack, or even come completely off. As stated, a crown is put into place to protect a tooth that has already been damaged somehow. Here are some reasons why you may require a dental crown.

• To protect a tooth that has become weakened or cracked.
• To support a tooth with significant portions removed to eliminate decay.
• To anchor a dental bridge.
• When a dental implant is placed, a crown will need to be attached.
• To conceal teeth that are misshapen or significantly discolored.
• To protect a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy.

An important thing to note is that dental crowns are not meant to be permanent. A dental crown should average about 10 years, although external factors can affect how long it lasts.

Why You Need to Act If Your Crown Breaks or Comes Off

When your crown breaks or comes off, the tooth underneath is no longer protected from external forces. For teeth that are already weakened, they could be in danger of breaking and will be exposed to bacteria that the crown was shielding them from previously.

When a tooth has had a crown due to extensive decay, a re-introduction to bacteria could risk further decay, leading to a possible root canal or even extraction (in severe cases). Additionally, if bacteria make their way inside the tooth, you could be looking at decay, and a severe condition called an abscess.

When a tooth protected by a porcelain crown becomes exposed, it could also be quite sensitive, especially to hot or cold temperatures. If the crown was in place to anchor a dental bridge, the bridge could also come loose.

What Do You Do If A Crown Breaks or Comes Off?

The one thing you should not do under any circumstance is ignore the situation. In some instances, you may feel it loosen before the crown comes off. If it does come off, you can try to save it by removing it from your mouth and bringing it to your dentist so they can try to re-attach it. 

If you lose your crown, you need to reach out to your dentist immediately for an appointment. If you are in severe discomfort due to losing your crown, you can see if your dentist has emergency hours. Whatever your situation may be, the critical thing to remember is to call your dentist immediately. They can give you advice on what to do until you can get in for a visit. 

For patients in the Aurora, Illinois area, Dr. Khaja Mohsinuddin and the team at Total Health Dental will treat your situation with urgency so that your tooth is not put at risk. To schedule an appointment, please call (630) 822-9600.

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