A dental crown can offer protection and restoration for a tooth that suffers structural damage. This ceramic cap will cover the entire surface of the tooth, sealing it into place with dental cement for long-lasting benefits. Though durable, this dental fixture is not entirely indestructible.
You might suffer an accident that could loosen, crack, or dislodge a crown from its place over your tooth. If this occurs, then the tooth becomes vulnerable to further dental problems. So do not ignore this disruption to your dental work.
Knowing what to do ahead of this dental emergency can help you take swift action in this scenario. Check out these tips from your dentist that outline steps you should take if you sustain damage to a dental crown.
Call Your Dentist Right Away
The first step you should take if you hurt a dental crown is to call your dentist as soon as you can. A damaged dental crown will leave your underlying tooth in serious danger of additional problems. Plus, you might feel major discomfort, including pain.
You should not suffer through this pain. Nor should you attempt to fix the damaged dental work on your own. Trying to reattach the crown yourself may mean you harm the dental crown or your tooth further.
Instead, contact your dentist’s office right away. They can offer advice for the acute symptoms you feel, including pain management. And they will let you know actions you should take in your unique situation, which will most likely involve inviting you to their office for an urgent evaluation.
Attend Emergency Dental Appointment
As mentioned, your dentist will want you to come to their office for an emergency dental appointment. Make sure you bring your crown with you if it has dislodged. When you arrive, the dentist will examine the crown, the affected tooth, and the surrounding areas of the mouth to look for signs of further damage.
If the crown is intact, the dentist will put the fixture back over your tooth, sealing it into place with dental cement again. If it sustained too much damage, you may require a new crown to be made. During that time, your dentist can provide you with a temporary crown as they build a custom permanent one.
Avoid Further Dental Crown Damage
Once you have a dental crown fully restored back in your smile, you will want to make efforts to ensure you do not break your fixture again. This will involve taking care of your oral health as well as your dental work.
A crown can break under high amounts of pressure. So make sure you do not bite down on unnecessarily hard items, like fingernails, ice, or the end of a pen. Talk to your dentist if you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth too because this poses a similar threat to your crown.
Continue good oral hygiene to keep your entire mouth healthy. Cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems can change your smile, which will impact the fit of your dental crown. Learn more about preventative dental care when you call your dentist.