A dental crown is a useful tool that a dentist will use to cover a tooth after experiencing structural damage. It protects and enhances the tooth, helping it look and feel healthy once more.
Though durable, accidents may occur to cause the crown to dislodge or break. This could put the already vulnerable tooth in danger of further harm.
Know the actions you should take if you sustain damage to your dental crown. This prior awareness can ensure that you feel confident and prepared as you restore your smile after this kind of dental emergency.
What to Do If You Break a Dental Crown
Call Your Dentist Right Away
When your dentist gives you a dental crown, they must shave away a small amount of enamel to make room for the ceramic cap. This exposed part of the tooth gets covered by the crown. But if the crown sustains damage, the tooth becomes vulnerable to exterior threats.
This is why dentists consider this type of issue a dental emergency. You should call your dentist as soon as possible if you suffer a problem with your dental crown. Some people may feel tooth sensitivity. But even if you do not, your dental health could be at risk.
Do not hesitate to reach out to your dentist and ask for their advice. They can also give you tips to alleviate discomfort before you can see the dentist for further assistance.
Prepare for an Emergency Dental Visit
Your dentist will likely ask you to come to their office as soon as possible if you hurt a dental crown. If possible, you should bring your crown with you to the appointment.
The dentist will begin by examining the affected tooth, the crown, and the surrounding area of the mouth for signs of additional damage. They can address any tooth breakage or other issues at this time. If the crown is still intact, they can reattach it over the tooth using dental cement.
Patients who need a new dental crown can receive it within their same appointment thanks to CEREC technology. Within their office, a dentist can take impressions and build a customized cap to cover your unique tooth in one day.
Prevent Further Harm to Your Dental Crown
Once your dentist restores your dental crown over your tooth, you will want to ensure it remains in place and does not suffer further harm. Accidents may happen to impact your crown, but you can take preventative actions to protect it too.
Your crown can endure routine wear and tear, but abnormally high pressures could break the cap. Therefore, you should not bite down on hard items like fingernails or the end of a pen.
If you tend to clench or grind your teeth, you can generate pressure from this behavior that may also harm your dental crown. Ask your dentist for advice to stop this habit or protect your smile from this unconscious action as you sleep. They may give you a night guard to wear to cushion your teeth and dental work and relax your jaw during sleep.