Broken Filling or Crown? Handling Common Dental Emergencies

Recognizing a Dental Emergency: Broken Fillings and Crowns

A broken filling or crown isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it can expose the underlying tooth structure, leading to:

• Increased sensitivity to temperature and pressure.
• Sharp edges that can irritate your tongue and gums.
• Pain or discomfort when chewing.
• The potential for further damage or infection to the tooth.

Therefore, it’s crucial to treat these situations as dental emergencies that need timely attention.

Immediate First Aid: What to Do When a Filling or Crown Breaks

If you suspect or notice a broken filling or crown, here are the immediate steps you should take:

1. Stay Calm: It’s natural to feel worried, but try to remain calm and focus on the next steps.
2. Assess the Situation: Determine the extent of the damage. Is the filling partially chipped, or has the entire crown come off?
3. If Possible, Retrieve the Crown: If the entire crown has come off, try to find it. Rinse it gently with water (no soap or toothpaste) and store it in a clean, safe place. Dr. Franklin may be able to re-cement it temporarily or permanently.
4. Rinse Your Mouth: Gently rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water. This can help clean the area and soothe any irritation.
5. Manage Pain: If you’re experiencing pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, following the dosage instructions on the packaging.
6. Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side: To prevent further damage or discomfort, try to avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the broken filling or crown.

Why Prompt Professional Dental Care is Essential

Even if you’re not experiencing significant pain, it’s vital to seek professional dental care as soon as possible after a filling or crown breaks. Here’s why:

• Preventing Further Damage: A broken restoration leaves the underlying tooth vulnerable to decay, chipping, and cracking.
• Reducing Sensitivity and Pain: Prompt repair can alleviate discomfort and sensitivity caused by exposed tooth structure.
• Avoiding Infection: Open areas in your tooth can become breeding grounds for bacteria, leading to infection.
• Ensuring Proper Fit and Function: A dentist can ensure the new restoration fits correctly and restores the proper bite and function of your tooth.
• Long-Term Oral Health: Addressing the issue quickly can prevent more complex and costly dental problems in the future.

What to Expect at Dr. Tim Franklin’s Office

When you contact our office in Orange, Texas, for a broken filling or crown, our friendly team will:

• Try to schedule you for an appointment as quickly as possible, often on the same day or the next business day, depending on the severity and our appointment schedule.
• Provide you with further instructions on how to manage your discomfort until your appointment.
• During your visit, Dr. Franklin will thoroughly examine the affected tooth and the surrounding area.
• He will discuss the available treatment options, which may include repairing the existing filling, creating a new filling, or fabricating and placing a new crown.
• Our priority is to restore your tooth to its optimal health, function, and comfort.