If you have a tooth that has suffered damage to its structure, your dentist will likely restore its health with a dental crown. This ceramic cap covers a vulnerable tooth and seals it into place with dental cement. It provides ample protection for the tooth, preventing further damage and boosting its function and appearance.
Though durable, crowns can fall off of a tooth if exposed to abnormal pressure. This problem is considered a dental emergency and will require prompt treatment from your dentist. Read on to learn what actions you should take if your dental crown breaks or dislodges.
What Do I Do If My Dental Crown Breaks?
Contact Your Dentist As Soon As Possible
When your dentist gives you a dental crown, they must remove a minute part of your tooth enamel to make room for the cap. The crown covers this now vulnerable portion of the tooth, but if it becomes damaged, then it is exposed.
The tooth can be affected by plaque and other external threats, hence why dentists urge prompt action in the event of a broken dental crown. If this happens, you should call your dentist as soon as you can.
They will likely ask you to schedule an urgent dental appointment to fix it. During this call, they can also offer advice in the meantime. They can tell you how to relieve pain and other symptoms before you visit the dentist.
Attend an Emergency Dentist Appointment
Your dentist will recommend scheduling an emergency appointment as soon as possible to examine and treat the dental crown. You should bring the damaged crown with you to your visit for evaluation.
During this appointment, the dentist will examine the crown, the affected tooth, and the rest of the smile to look for signs of other damage. They can treat any underlying concerns.
If the crown is intact, the dentist will place it back over the tooth and seal it. Broken crowns might need a replacement. In these cases, a dentist can provide a patient with a temporary crown while they build a new custom-made one in their dental lab.
Avoid Further Harm to Your Dental Crown
Once your dentist restores your dental crown, you will want to take precautions to avoid harming it again. It can withstand routine wear and tear, but major pressure could make a crown dislodge or crack.
Therefore, you should not bite down on hard items, like the end of a pen, ice, or fingernails. Be careful when eating sticky or chewy foods too which could wreak havoc on your dental work.
People who grind or clench their teeth exert pressure on their teeth and crowns. If you have this habit, ask your dentist for tips to stop it. This way, you can preserve your dental crown and enjoy its restorative benefits. With proper care, a crown can remain over a tooth for fifteen or more years.