If you have a vulnerable tooth, your dentist will likely recommend restoring it with a dental crown. This ceramic cap covers a damaged tooth, shielding it from further harm and enhancing its appearance and structure.
While designed to withstand the wear and tear that your teeth routinely experience, accidents may occur that can cause a crown to break or dislodge. Dr. Elise Brace, a dentist serving patients in Cary, NC, outlines three steps you should take if you sustain damage to your dental crown.
Actions to Take If You Break a Dental Crown
Call Your Dentist As Soon As Possible
If your dental crown cracks or falls off of your tooth, the first thing you should do is contact your dental professional as soon as you can. When your dentist gives you a crown, they must remove a minute amount of tooth enamel to make room for the ceramic cap.
Therefore, if you no longer have a crown covering this vulnerable tooth, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms, like tooth sensitivity, if the underlying layers of your tooth are exposed. Even if you do not feel any pain, you should still reach out to your dentist.
Your tooth could be at risk of additional structural damage without the protection of a dental crown, so urgency is key. They may also offer advice about the next steps you should take.
Prepare for an Emergency Dentist Appointment
Your dentist will likely recommend that you schedule an emergency dentist appointment to restore your smile if you have broken a dental crown. If possible, you should bring the damaged crown with you to this visit.
The dentist will first examine the affected tooth and surrounding areas of your mouth for any signs of dental problems. If the crown is intact, they can secure the crown back into place over the affected tooth. However, if you require a new crown to be constructed, your dentist can provide you with a temporary crown while the permanent one is being made to suit your unique tooth.
Avoid Future Damage to Your Dental Crown
You can protect your crown and avoid another dental emergency by being careful with this dental fixture. Avoid exposure to abnormally high amounts of pressure which could cause the crown to break or dislodge.
This means that you should not bite down on hard items, like the end of a pen, ice, or fingernails. You should also let your dentist know if you grind or clench your teeth, as this behavior generates pressure that could impact your crown.
Dental Crown Repair Available in Cary, NC
Kildaire Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offer dental crown procedures and other restorative dental treatments to patients in Cary, NC. Dr. Brace also specializes in implant, cosmetic, and general dentistry, including both preventative and emergency dental care, for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with our practice, contact our office by phone at 919.823.7107 or reach a member of our staff online.