When you feel your dental crown break, use a mirror to find out exactly how bad the damage is. The crown might be loose or even broken into pieces. Remove any loose fragments right away so you do not end up swallowing them. If the crown is intact, keep it somewhere safe, as a dentist might be able to reattach it.

Breaking a dental crown often leads to scratches on the tongue, cheeks, or gums. These often bleed profusely even though they are quite minor injuries. Press a piece of gauze against the site of the bleeding until it stops.

As soon as you have the bleeding under control, call a dentist to schedule an appointment for dental crown repair. As a damaged dental crown is not always a dental emergency, you might need to wait a few days, in which case the tips given below will help you to manage the broken crown.

Pharmacies sell a number of pain-relieving medications that can relieve the pain of a broken dental crown. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are good choices; you can take both at the same time if one doesn't provide adequate pain relief. Avoid taking aspirin, which increases the risk of bleeding in the mouth. If ibuprofen and paracetamol do not work for you, ask your pharmacist for advice.

If your mouth is still sore, a simple cold compress can offer a surprising amount of relief. Take an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas, wrap it in a towel and press it against your cheek. The cold will cause the blood vessels around the mouth to constrict, reducing the blood supply and relieving pain. Do not apply the ice to your skin without a towel, as cold that is too intense can damage skin.

While you are recovering from breaking a dental crown, you will probably find it most comfortable to eat soft foods that you do not need to chew very much. Try eating oatmeal or a smoothie for breakfast, soup for lunch and stewed vegetables and meat for dinner. Be sure to let each meal cool before you dive in, as excessive heat can trigger sensitivity in sore gums and teeth. Stay away from more challenging foods like nuts, steak and sticky candies until the crown has been repaired and you can chew with confidence.

Runcorn Dental here to help with your damaged dental crown and other related needs. Our local team of four dentists have years of experience working with dental crowns, bridges and other restorative dental techniques. We can reattach or replace your dental crown to restore your smile and protect your teeth over the long term. Get in touch right away to schedule your repair.