Question: What is a crown fracture and does it always need urgent treatment?
Explanation: A crown fracture is a break in the visible part of the tooth above the gum line. It ranges from a minor enamel chip to a break exposing the pulp. Uncomplicated crown fractures involve enamel and dentine only. Complicated crown fractures expose the pulp and present as a pink or bleeding spot at the fracture site. Uncomplicated fractures are urgent but not immediate emergencies. Complicated fractures should be treated within 24 hours to preserve pulp vitality. Keeping any broken fragment in milk allows the dentist to potentially bond it back on.
Related Questions:
Should I keep the broken piece of tooth?
Yes, if you can find it. Store it in milk or saline to prevent dehydration. Fragment reattachment produces a superior aesthetic result to composite build-up because the colour and translucency match perfectly. It also preserves natural enamel.
How do I know if the pulp is exposed?
Look for a pink or red dot in the centre of the fracture surface, sometimes with a bead of blood. Extreme sensitivity to air or cold suggests exposure. A dentist confirms with magnification. Any pulp exposure requires treatment within 24 hours.
Can a chipped front tooth be fixed in one visit?
Usually yes. Small chips are repaired with composite bonding in a single appointment. Larger fractures may need a veneer or crown, which requires a laboratory stage. Fragment reattachment, if the piece is available and intact, is also a same-visit procedure.
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