Your dentist may give you a dental crown to restore and preserve a vulnerable tooth. This ceramic cap covers the affected tooth and shields it from external threats while enhancing its appearance, among other benefits.
Though these restorative dental tools are durable, they could become loose or break if exposed to abnormally high amounts of pressure. If this occurs, you should not ignore the problem. Dr. Alan Dechter and Dr. Matthew Moy, dental professionals serving patients in Silver Spring, MD, outline actions you should take if you sustain damage to your dental crown.
What to Do If You Damage a Dental Crown
Call Your Dentist as Soon as Possible
When your dentist provides you with a dental crown, they must shave a small amount of enamel from your tooth to make room for the cap. This means that if the crown breaks or becomes dislodged, the underlying layers of your tooth become exposed and vulnerable to dental damage without the sealed protection from the crown.
In some cases, patients may feel pain as external stimulation could cause tooth sensitivity. But even if you do not notice discomfort, you should call your dental professional as soon as possible to let them know about this damage to your dental work. They can provide advice on further actions you should take to protect your smile.
Prepare for an Emergency Dentist Appointment
Your dentist will likely recommend that you come into their office as soon as you can for an emergency dentist appointment. They will examine both the dental crown and the rest of your mouth to evaluate the extent of the damage.
If the crown is still intact, the dentist can replace the cap over the tooth and seal it back into place. They may need to build a new customized crown if the original fixture is not salvageable. However, digital technology allows for same-day crown construction that will allow you to restore your smile within one appointment.
Protect Your Crown from Future Damage
With your dental crown back in place over your tooth, you will want to take precautionary measures that will ensure you do not sustain additional damage to this dental work. To do that, you should avoid generating abnormal amounts of pressure that could hurt a crown.
Therefore, you should not bite down on hard items, like ice, fingernails, or the end of a pen. You should also ask your dentist about treatment for teeth grinding, a habit that could dislodge or break a dental crown over time.
Dental Crown Repair and More in Silver Spring, MD
Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy offer dental crowns and other restorative dental solutions to patients in Silver Spring, MD. They also specialize 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 301.508.9755 or reach a member of our staff online.