If you have a vulnerable tooth that has suffered dental problems, your dentist might have treated it with a dental crown. These ceramic caps cover a tooth securely to shield it from further harm.
While crowns are durable, accidents can occur that dislodge or break the fixture, leaving your tooth at risk of additional damage. Oak Grove Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, a dental practice in Durham, NC, outlines three actions you can take if you sustain damage to your dental crown.
Call Your Dentist As Soon As Possible
When your dentist secures a dental crown to your tooth, they shave off part of the enamel to make room for the cap. If the crown is no longer secure on your tooth, the underlying layer of dentin can be exposed.
Dentin creates tooth sensitivity pain when stimulated by external elements. Tooth pain of any kind is considered a dental emergency, even if you think the pain is tolerable. The sensation could be indicative of additional dental problems, so you should contact your dentist as soon as possible if you suffer damage to your dental crown.
Prepare for Emergency Dentist Appointment
Your dentist will likely schedule you for an emergency dentist appointment to repair or replace your dental crown. You should bring the crown with you to the dentist’s office if possible.
During this appointment, your dentist will evaluate your teeth to ensure no additional damage has occurred to your surrounding teeth. If the crown is intact, they will seal the crown back over the affected tooth. The dentist can provide you with a temporary crown if a new permanent crown needs to be constructed.
Prevent Future Dental Crown Damage
Crowns are durable, but impact trauma and abnormal pressure can harm your dental crown. To avoid damaging your crown again, you should not bite down on hard items, such as ice, fingernails, or the end of a pen.
You should also let your dentist know if you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth. They may suggest wearing a mouthguard overnight to protect your teeth and your crowns from damage that could occur due to teeth grinding in your sleep.
Dental Crown Procedures and More in Durham, NC
Oak Grove Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offers dental crown procedures and other restorative dental treatments to patients in Durham, NC. Our practice also specializes in cosmetic and general dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 919.873.4312.