Dental crowns are a highly effective restorative dental treatment. The fixtures consist of a ceramic cap that fits over a damaged tooth, protecting it from exterior elements.
Crowns are durable but can break or become loose if exposed to abnormal amounts of pressure. Dr. Andrew Cobb, a dentist in Washington, DC, outlines actions you can take if you suffer damage to your dental crowns.
Call Your Dentist Right Away
When your dentist secures a dental crown to your tooth, they shave some of the enamel to make room for the cap. This means that if the crown falls out of place, the underlying layer of dentin is exposed.
Dentin contains nerves that send pain signals to the brain when stimulated. A loose or broken crown can leave you with excruciating symptoms like tooth sensitivity.
Tooth pain of any kind is abnormal and should be considered a dental emergency. Even if you do not notice painful symptoms, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible because the tooth may be vulnerable to further harm if the crown is damaged.
Attend Emergency Dental Appointment
If your dental crown has fallen out of your mouth, you should bring the crown with you to your emergency dental appointment. When you arrive, your dentist will examine your tooth and the rest of your mouth for signs of additional damage.
Your dentist can secure the crown back into place if the tooth is otherwise healthy and the crown is still intact. If you require a new crown, your dentist can provide you with a temporary crown while a permanent one is being constructed.
Avoid Future Dental Crown Damage
Dental crowns can last for fifteen years with proper care. They can endure the everyday wear and tear that your teeth experience daily but they can become damaged if exposed to undue pressure.
For this reason, you should avoid biting down on hard items, like the end of a pen, ice, or fingernails. Awareness of your oral habits can preserve your dental crowns as well as the health of your surrounding teeth.
Teeth grinding can also harm your dental crowns. You should let your dentist know if you grind or clench your teeth. They may recommend wearing a mouthguard at night to protect your crowns and teeth from grinding that may occur as you sleep.
Repair Dental Crowns in Washington, DC
Dr. Cobb provides dental crowns and other restorative dental treatments for patients in Washington, DC. Our practice also specializes in cosmetic, implant, general, and digital dentistry. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 202.455.0901.