Is A Broken Crown a Dental Emergency?

Dental crowns can break, become loose, or become damaged, which has prompted many patients to ask the question ‘is a broken crown a dental emergency?’

Generally, a broken dental crown can be repaired if the damage is only minor. However, if there is extensive breakage on the crown, then it will have to be replaced altogether.

Read on to find out more about dental crowns and what you should do if yours breaks.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a type of cap, which goes on top of a damaged tooth. It is a permanent solution to restore the damaged tooth.

Crowns can be made of different materials, including:

metal (such as gold or another alloy)
porcelain fused to metal
all resin
all ceramic
zirconia
stainless steel – used to preserve badly decayed baby teeth in children, or as a temporary measure on permanent teeth

Your dentist will advise you on which is the best type of crown for your requirements.

How long does a dental crown last for?

With a good oral hygiene routine, a dental crown should last up to 15 years. However, over time, a crown can become loose, undergo wear and tear, or fracture.

When might I need to get a crown?

A dentist may fit you with a crown if you have:

A weak tooth
A cracked or chipped tooth
A worn down or damaged tooth
A badly decayed tooth
Severely discoloured or misshapen teeth
To cover a dental implant
To keep a bridge in place

What are the symptoms of a broken crown?

If you suspect you have a broken crown, keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

There is a crack or fracture of the crown
The crown is wobblier than your natural teeth (which is the most tell-tale sign)
You are experiencing pain or throbbing under the crown (you may mistake this for a normal toothache)
Sudden sensitivity to hot food or cold food
Food becomes stuck on the gum line near the crown
Foul odour or bad breath in your mouth
You feel rough, jagged edges when you feel your teeth with your tongue
Inflammation on your gum line, which comes from broken crown edges

What are the reasons why my crown has broken?

Your dental crown may break if:

You experience teeth grinding (bruxism) or constant teeth clenching, especially at night
You have tooth decay (cavities) underneath the crown
You have suffered trauma to the teeth (e.g. a blow to the mouth during sports)
You eat foods that are sticky and chewy (like toffee or chewing gum), which put pressure on the crown
You have a really old crown which is now breaking down
You have a poorly fitted crown
You have the wrong size crown
There isn’t enough dental cement to keep the crown in place
You have an allergic reaction to the metal used in the crown
You are developing gum disease, so your gums are getting sore and irritated
Your crown has become infected
You haven’t maintained a good oral hygiene routine and taken care of your teeth
Your tooth was already damaged and isn’t sufficient to hold a crown

Is a broken crown a dental emergency?

Dental crowns should not break without a reason. They are designed to last up to 15 years, as long as you take adequate care of your teeth.

If your crown breaks, then this should not usually cause severe pain. But it is advisable to have it re-cemented as soon as possible, so you should see a dentist.

A broken crown absolutely constitutes a dental emergency if your symptoms are serious or potentially harmful for your oral health.

For example, if your crown breaks and then you experience excruciating pain in the teeth or jaw, swelling of the gums, or bleeding, this could be a sign of an infection and you should book an an allergic reaction to the metal used in the crown as soon as possible.

You should also see an emergency dentist if you have accidentally swallowed your crown.

If you suspect that there is something not right with your crown, then you should book an urgent dentist appointment as soon as you can. Ignoring a broken dental crown may have serious consequences- it could lead to an infection or long-term damage to the tooth where your crown was fitted.

Where can I get an emergency dentist appointment for a broken crown?

Here at Didsbury Dental Practice, we offer emergency dental care that is second to none.

All our emergency dental care is carried out by our team of experienced dental professionals who will take expert care of you and your teeth. We make it as simple as possible to book an emergency appointment.

All you have to do is call the dental emergency helpline on 0161 413 2392, or alternatively, walk into the practice and we will aim to see you as soon as possible.

To book an emergency appointment, it is not necessary for you to be an existing patient at our practice. Emergency dentist appointments are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including Bank Holidays and even Christmas Day.

Click here to find out more about the emergency dental care we offer at Didsbury Dental Practice– if you have a broken crown, then we will be able to provide you with the right care and prevent further damage to your teeth and oral health.

What shall I do if my crown has fallen out?

Keep the crown as secure as possible, as you may be able to have it re-cemented back in place. Sometimes, a root canal treatment is recommended if it was not performed before the crown was constructed.

What emergency treatment can I get if I have a broken crown?

Our team of dental specialists at Didsbury Dental Practice are trained to help patients with any type of dental emergency, including broken crowns.

If your crown breaks, then we can replace it with a new crown. A crown will strengthen a severely broken down tooth and improve the appearance, shape and alignment of teeth.

Click here to read about the Crowns and Bridges we offer.

What should I do if I have a loose crown, but can’t see a dentist?

Try your very best to get an emergency dentist appointment, so that a dentist can give you the appropriate treatment and care.

However, if it is impossible for you to get access to a dentist, then you should try to hold the crown in place with a denture adhesive.

Can I sleep with a broken crown?

No, it is not recommended that you fall asleep with a broken crown in your mouth. If you do this, there is a risk that you will inhale the broken pieces of the crown or swallow them in your sleep, which can be dangerous.

You should make an urgent dentist appointment as soon as possible.

Can I eat with a broken crown?

Yes, you can eat with a broken crown, but don’t chew on that side where the crown is.

It is advisable to stick to soft foods that are easy to chew, so as not to put pressure on the broken crown.

Should I brush my teeth if my crown fell out?

You should only brush your teeth gently, without applying too much pressure on the crown.

What if I accidentally swallow a loose crown?

Consult a doctor immediately. It is better to be safe than sorry.

The crown may become lodged in your lungs, which can be dangerous.

Or, the crown will pass through your system in a few days.

How can I fix a loose crown at home?

We always advise patients to book a dentist appointment if their crown breaks, as this is the fastest and most efficient way of protecting the damaged tooth from further damage or infection.

While you are waiting for your dentist appointment, follow these tips

Keep the affected area clean.
Only use denture adhesives to keep the crown in place.
Don’t ever use normal glue adhesives like superglue to lodge the crown in place.
Don’t chew on the side of the mouth where your loose crown is.
Only eat soft foods which are easy to chew, such as soups and scrambled eggs.
Rinse with a gentle mouthwash, to keep the gums fresh and healthy.
Avoid smoking, as this can aggravate bleeding and prevent your gums from healing, should there be an infection.
Avoid really hot drinks.
Avoid sugary drinks, which encourage plaque and bacteria.
If you experience any severe symptoms such as non-stop bleeding, excruciating pain in the teeth or jaw, or swelling of the gums, then visit an emergency dentist or use the NHS 111 service.

We hope you now have the answer to the question ‘is a broken crown a dental emergency?’

To find out more about Didsbury Dental Practice, visit our website here.

Click here to learn about our Crowns and Bridgework options.

We offer a wide range of dental treatments and services, including Invisible Braces (Invisalign ), teeth whitening, Alias lingual braces, Six Month Smiles Braces and Damon Clear Braces.

If you need an emergency appointment, visit our webpage on our emergency dental treatment here or call our dental emergency helpline on 0161 413 2835. Alternatively, walk into the practice and we will aim to see you as soon as possible.

Check out our blog to read more articles on dental health.