This article provides general patient education and does not replace a dental examination, diagnosis, or personalized treatment advice. Call Urban Dental Care when you need guidance for a specific symptom or appointment.
What to know first
- Call the office promptly, especially when the tooth is painful, sharp, swollen, or difficult to bite on.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side and bring the crown or broken piece if you still have it.
- Do not glue a crown or filling back into place with household products.
Protect the area until the dentist can examine it
Rinse gently with water, keep the area clean, and avoid hard, sticky, very hot, or very cold foods on that side. If the crown or a piece of the restoration came out, place it in a clean container and bring it to the appointment.
Call sooner when symptoms are changing
Pain that is increasing, facial or gum swelling, a bad taste, fever, bleeding that does not stop, or a tooth that feels fractured needs prompt attention. Trouble breathing or swallowing requires emergency medical care.
The examination determines whether repair is possible
The dentist may check the remaining tooth structure, bite, decay, cracks, and the condition of the old restoration. An X-ray may be recommended. Depending on the findings, the next step may be a filling repair, a new crown, another restorative option, or treatment for deeper damage.
Sources and further reading
These references support the general information in this article. Your examination determines what applies to your situation.