Dental crowns are a useful restorative dental tool involving a ceramic cap placed over a vulnerable tooth. This treatment shields teeth from external stimulation and further harm.
Crowns are durable, but accidents can happen where they become loose or break under extreme pressure. Dr. Brian Sang, a dentist in Florence, SC, outlines actions you can take if you sustain damage to your dental crowns.
Call Your Dentist As Soon As Possible
Your dentist removes part of your tooth enamel to make room for the cap when they secure a dental crown into place. If the crown breaks or becomes loose, the tooth is vulnerable to additional damage because the underlying layer of dentin may be exposed, potentially causing tooth sensitivity.
Tooth pain of any kind is considered a dental emergency, and you should contact your dentist as soon as possible if you suffer damage to your dental crown. Even if you think the soreness is tolerable, it could signify larger dental concerns that need to be addressed by a dental professional.
Prepare for Emergency Dentist Appointment
Your dentist will ask you to visit the office for an emergency dental appointment. You should bring your dental crown with you if it has fallen off of the tooth.
The dentist will examine your mouth for signs of additional damage. If the crown is intact, they will resecure it to the tooth. If you require a new crown, your dentist can provide you with a temporary crown while the permanent one is constructed.
Prevent Future Dental Crown Damage
Dental crowns are built to withstand the wear and tear your teeth experience daily. However, abnormally high amounts of pressure can cause a crown to dislodge or break.
For this reason, you should avoid biting down on hard items such as fingernails, the end of a pen, or ice. You should also let your dentist know if you grind your teeth. They may suggest wearing a mouthguard overnight to protect your teeth and crowns from grinding that may occur as your sleep.
Repair Dental Crowns in Florence, SC
Palmetto Smiles offers dental crowns and other restorative dental treatments to patients in Florence, SC. Dr. Sang also specializes in cosmetic and general dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule a consultation or appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 843.203.5155.