If you have a tooth that has sustained structural damage, your dentist may recommend a dental crown to cover it and restore its appearance and function. This restorative dental solution features a ceramic cap that shields the tooth and seals it into place for long-term protection.
Though these fixtures are durable, extreme pressures may cause the crown to break or dislodge, exposing the underlying tooth. This injury will need prompt evaluation and treatment from your dentist to amend. Read on for actions you can take if you suffer damage to your dental crown.
Call Your Dentist Right Away
If your crown becomes loose or falls off of your tooth, you should call your dentist as soon as possible. When your dentist secures a crown to your tooth, they must remove a small amount of enamel to make room for the cap.
This means that the vulnerable inner layers of your tooth become exposed when the crown is no longer in place. Your smile could be at risk of major structural damage in this condition. You may also feel sensitivity pain in the affected tooth.
Even if you do not feel pain, you should reach out to your dentist promptly. They will offer advice about what actions you should take in the immediate aftermath. They may also suggest that you come into the office as soon as you can for an emergency dental evaluation.
Prepare for an Emergency Dentist Appointment
In many cases, your dentist will want to schedule an emergency appointment if you break a dental crown. When you arrive, bring your damaged crown with you if possible.
The dentist will begin this visit by examining the affected tooth and the surrounding area for signs of additional damage. They will provide treatment to restore your smile if necessary.
If the original crown is intact, they will secure it over the tooth once again. The dentist can provide you with a temporary crown if you require a new permanent one to be built.
Prevent Further Harm to Your Dental Crown
With a dental crown covering your tooth again, you will take care that you do not sustain further damage to your dental work. You can keep your smile and your crown healthy by practicing good oral hygiene.
You should also avoid biting on hard items as this generates high levels of pressure that could hurt a dental crown. For instance, you should not bite down on fingernails, ice, or the end of a pen.
If you grind or clench your teeth, let your dentist know. This habit similarly creates pressure that could negatively impact your smile and your dental crown. They may suggest that you wear a custom-made mouthguard as you sleep to protect your teeth, jaw, and dental fixtures from harm overnight.
For more tips on preserving your smile and your dental work, call Dr. Alla Brown and Dr. Amanda Newberry at 678.359.4707.