If one of your teeth suffers an injury that affects its structure, your dentist may recommend restoring the tooth with a dental crown. This ceramic cap covers a vulnerable tooth. It seals it from external threats to its health while it improves its appearance and function.
Though crowns are durable, accidents can occur that may cause them to dislodge or break. This disruption may require urgent attention from your dentist. Read on to learn three steps you should take if sustain damage to your dental crown.
3 Actions to Take If You Damage a Dental Crown
Contact Your Dentist Right Away
When your dentist covers a damaged tooth with a dental crown, they must shave away a small amount of enamel from the tooth. This is done to make room for the cap over the tooth.
However, this process can leave the vulnerable inner layers of the tooth exposed if the crown is no longer in place. You may feel tooth sensitivity pain when stimulated. Plaque could also infiltrate the area and make you more prone to forming cavities.
Even if you do not feel pain, you should call your dentist as soon as possible if your dental crown falls off or breaks. You could be at great risk of oral health complications if you ignore this issue. They can offer immediate advice on what to do with your crown at that moment over the phone.
Prepare for Your Emergency Dentist Appointment
Your dentist will likely ask you to schedule an emergency appointment to fix your dental crown. Bring your damaged crown with you to this visit if possible.
They will begin by checking your tooth and surrounding areas of your mouth for signs of additional harm that may require restorative dental treatment. Once this is done, they can take the crown, if it is intact, and place it over the tooth once again. They seal it in this position with dental cement.
If you need a new crown to be built by your dentist, they can give you a temporary crown to cover the vulnerable tooth in the meantime. In some cases, your dentist can employ CERAC technology to construct a new crown within the same day.
Avoid Future Damage to Your Crown
When you have a crown secured over your tooth once more, you will want to take precautions to avoid further harm to your dental work. One way to ensure proper care for your smile is to continue good oral hygiene habits. This healthy foundation can help you keep dental emergencies at bay.
Broken dental crowns can often occur due to impact trauma. You can prevent this type of accident if you do not bite down on hard items. Examples include fingernails, ice, or the end of a pen.
If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, you should let your dentist know. This behavior generates pressure on your smile if it persists which could damage a dental crown. They can help you stop bruxism and protect your smile.