A dental crown is a restorative dental tool in which a dentist places a ceramic cap over a vulnerable tooth. It remains securely over the tooth to rebuild the shape and provide long-lasting protection to avoid further damage.
But though a crown is durable, it is not indestructible. Under high pressure, a crown can crack, break, or fall off of the tooth. If this occurs, the tooth will once again be at risk of additional dental dangers.
Do not ignore a broken dental crown. Read on to find actions you should take if your dental crown sustains damage.
What to Do If You Damage a Dental Crown
Call Your Dentist Right Away
When your dental crown breaks, you no longer have the protective seal that will block bacteria from eating away at your teeth. You could have a higher risk of forming cavities and other issues that will leave lasting damage to your smile. To prevent further damage, you should call your dentist as soon as you can if you sustain damage to your crown.
Even if you do not feel pain from this dental injury, you should still seek urgent treatment for this problem. The dentist can also let you know how to relieve any uncomfortable symptoms over the phone. Follow their instructions and do not try to fix this issue on your own as you might make it worse.
Attend Emergency Dentist Appointment
Your dentist will likely ask you to come to their office for an emergency dental evaluation. Make sure you bring your crown with you to this appointment if the fixture has dislodged.
During the visit, the dentist will examine the crown, the affected tooth, and the surrounding areas of the mouth to look for signs of additional problems. They can offer treatment if needed.
Then if the crown is otherwise intact, the dentist can put it back over the tooth and seal it into place with dental cement. If you require a new crown, the dentist will give you a temporary crown to protect the tooth as a permanent one is built. This may take two or three weeks to complete.
Avoid Further Harm to Your Dental Crown
Once you replace your dental crown over the tooth, you will want to make sure you do not suffer any further problems with the cap. To avoid another accident that will harm your dental work, steer clear of abnormally high pressures on the crown. Biting down on hard items like fingernails or ice could generate pressure that may hurt a crown.
Talk to your dentist if you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth too. This chronic behavior may damage a dental crown over time. Continue proper oral hygiene at home so that your smile does not suffer other damage that may negatively impact the fit of your crown. Visit your dentist for more information about preventative dental care that will preserve your dental work and overall oral health.