A dental crown is an effective restorative dental tool that fixes a variety of oral health concerns. The ceramic cap fits over a vulnerable tooth and is secured in place with dental bonding, shielding it from external stimuli.
These fixtures are durable, but crowns can accidentally become dislodged or break under extreme pressure. Dr. Shawna Hoffert, a dentist in Asheville, NC, outlines actions you can take if you suffer damage to your dental crowns.
Call Your Dentist As Soon As Possible
A dental crown is usually placed to cover a tooth that has endured damage. Additionally, when your dentist secures a crown to a tooth, they shave away part of the enamel to make room for the cap.
Thus, the underlying tooth is vulnerable to further damage if it no longer has the crown over it. This is considered a dental emergency, and you should contact your dental professional as soon as possible for instructions on specific actions to take and to schedule an emergency dentist appointment.
Prepare for Emergency Dentist Appointment
When you arrive at your dentist’s office, you should bring your dental crown with you if it has fallen out. The dentist will examine both your mouth and the crown for signs of additional damage, and they will treat problems as needed.
If the crown is intact, the dentist will place the crown back over the tooth and secure it with dental bonding. They can provide you with a temporary crown if the original is too damaged to use and a new one must be constructed. You will likely need to plan for a follow-up appointment to have this new permanent crown secured to your tooth.
Prevent Future Dental Crown Damage
Dental crowns are built to endure the everyday wear and tear that your teeth experience. However, they can break or fall out if exposed to abnormal amounts of pressure.
For this reason, you should avoid biting down on hard items, such as fingernails, ice, or the end of a pen. You should also let your dentist know if you grind or clench your teeth. They might recommend that you wear a mouthguard overnight to protect your crowns from this behavior while you sleep.
Repair Dental Crowns in Asheville, NC
Red Maple Dental offers dental crowns and other restorative dental treatments to patients in Asheville, NC. Dr. Hoffert also specializes in cosmetic and general dentistry, including both preventative and emergency dental care. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 828.358.1925.