Halloween is a time for spooky fun, but the last thing you want is a real-life dental horror like a broken crown haunting you. Dental crowns are sturdy, but accidents happen. And when they do, it’s important to know how to manage a broken crown quickly and effectively. More importantly, learning how to prevent a dental emergency at a celebration can save you from a mouthful of scary dental bills.
In today’s blog, we’ll explore how to handle broken crowns during Halloween and offer tips to prevent future damage so that your smile stays more treat than trick!
Before we dive into what to do when a crown breaks, let’s explore the common culprits behind broken crowns:
If your crown cracks or falls off during Halloween festivities, it can feel like a dental emergency. While you wait for an emergency dentist, here’s how to manage the situation:
First, don’t panic! Crowns break, but most can be repaired or replaced without much trouble. Check if the crown is fully or partially broken or if it has dislodged completely. If the crown is still intact, there’s a good chance our dentist can reattach it.
If your crown has come loose, try to locate it and store it safely. Clean it gently with warm water and keep it in a clean container until you can visit our dentist.
Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth with the broken crown. Chewing on a damaged tooth can worsen the break or irritate the underlying tooth.
If you can’t see our dentist immediately, you can purchase temporary dental cement from a pharmacy to temporarily hold the crown in place or protect the exposed tooth. This will prevent further discomfort and shield the tooth from Halloween candy and other treats.
You must maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Keep the area clean by brushing gently and using mouthwash to prevent bacteria from entering the cracked or exposed tooth. This helps prevent infection and minimizes discomfort.
While handling a broken crown on your own can help for a short time, it’s essential to visit our dentist as soon as possible. Here are signs that require immediate attention:
Our emergency dentist will assess the damage and recommend the best course of action, whether it’s repairing, reattaching, or replacing the crown.
Once you visit our emergency dentist, they will decide the best treatment for your broken crown based on the damage. Common treatments include:
If only a minor crack or chip has occurred, the dentist can repair it using dental bonding to restore the crown’s appearance and function.
If the crown has fallen off but is otherwise intact, our dentist can clean it and the underlying tooth, then re-cement it in place.
If the crown is extensively damaged, our dentist may recommend replacing it. In the meantime, they may fit you with a temporary crown until the new one is ready.
In cases where the tooth beneath the crown has decayed or become infected, a root canal or even extraction may be required before placing a new crown.
No one wants a repeat of a broken crown—especially when indulging in Halloween treats. Here’s how you can keep your crowns in top shape and avoid future dental disasters:
Halloween is full of hard candies, caramel, and other sticky treats that can wreak havoc on crowns. Avoid biting down on hard or sticky items like candy apples, caramel corn, and toffee. Choose softer treats like chocolate or marshmallows.
Bruxism (teeth grinding) is a common cause of crown damage, especially at night. Wearing a custom-fitted nightguard can protect both your natural teeth and crowns from excessive pressure.
Brush and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup around your crown. Make sure to clean the base of the crown where the gumline meets to avoid decay under the crown.
Routine dental visits allow our dentist to monitor your crown’s condition and address any issues before they turn into major problems. Early detection can prevent costly and painful dental treatments.
Using your teeth to open packages, tear plastic, or bite non-food items can lead to crown breakage. Keep your smile safe by using your teeth only for eating.
Ignoring broken crowns can lead to more frightening problems. If the tooth beneath the crown is exposed, it becomes vulnerable to bacteria, leading to infection, decay, or even the need for a root canal. Additionally, a broken crown can cause pain and make it difficult to chew properly. Taking action quickly ensures you avoid these nightmarish scenarios.
So, this Halloween, don’t let a broken crown become a real-life horror story! If you find yourself dealing with a damaged crown, remember to stay calm, assess the damage, and take immediate steps like using temporary dental cement and avoiding hard foods. Most importantly, see our dentist as soon as possible to get the issue resolved.
Following the prevention guidelines, like avoiding hard candies and wearing a mouthguard, can protect your crowns from serious dental emergencies and keep your smile looking charming every Halloween!