What to Do If Your Child Chips a Crown

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Your child starts complaining about tooth pain or sensitivity. You suspect that they may have a cavity, but when you inspect their mouth, you notice that their dental crown is chipped. 

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A chipped crown is a dental emergency, but before you panic, know that more often than not, it can be fixed in just one appointment. 

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So, here's what you should do if your child chips a crown. 

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Is a Chipped Crown an Emergency? 

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Any type of damage to a dental crown, whether we're talking about a chip, a crack, or a loose crown is considered an emergency. While your child isn't in immediate danger, waiting too long to treat it may lead to more severe problems, such as an infection. 

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So, if your child chipped or broke a crown, get in touch with Big Picture Pediatric Dentistry, tell us about your problem, and request a same-day appointment. We will be more than happy to see your child right away and provide the necessary treatment. 

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What to Do If Your Child Chipped a Crown 

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If you notice that your child's dental crown is chipped, then you should try to locate the piece that fell. Rinse it with lukewarm water to remove any dirt and debris and store it in a clean container. If possible, you can also try to "glue" it to the crown using a bit of toothpaste or a dental adhesive. 

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Call your dentist and tell them that your child chipped their dental crown. As this is an emergency, they should be able to see you right away. 

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Can a Chipped Crown Be Fixed? 

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It all depends on the extent of the damage. If the chip is minor, then the dentist will probably be able to fix it and bond it back to the crown with a bit of resin. 

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But, if the chip is significant, then the best course of action may be to completely replace the crown with a new one. Your child's dentist will take impressions of their teeth and send them to a lab to create a new crown. Your child will have to wait about two weeks until they will get their new crown. Don't worry, their dentist will fit them with a temporary crown in the meantime so the tooth underneath will be protected. 

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How to Avoid Dental Crown Chips

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It's important to understand that no matter how hard you try, you can't protect your child from every possible risk. Kids run, jump, climb, and accidents happen. Try to remind them why it's important to be careful and teach them how to play safely. 

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You should also try to limit hard foods, such as nuts, popcorn, hard candies, caramels, and so on. These foods can damage the crown and cause chips or cracks. 

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Did Your Child Chip Their Crown? Call Us Now! 

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If your child chipped or broke a dental crown, we here at Big Picture Pediatric Dentistry offer emergency services. 

Call us at (281) 461-7470 and tell us about your emergency and we will fit you into our schedule. For regular appointments, you can also contact us online.