If you have a damaged tooth, your dentist may recommend restorative dental treatment with a crown. This ceramic cap covers the affected tooth, shielding it from further harm.
Though these fixtures are durable, abnormal pressure could cause a crown to dislodge or break. Dr. Josh Heinsheimer, a dentist practicing in Leland, NC, outlines actions you should take if you suffer damage to your dental crown.
Call Your Dentist As Soon As Possible
When your dentist treats you with a dental crown, they must remove part of the tooth’s enamel to make room for the cap. If the crown is damaged, underlying dentin could be exposed, causing painful tooth sensitivity.
Tooth pain of any kind is abnormal and should be considered a dental emergency that requires prompt attention from a dental professional. Even if you find this pain tolerable, it could signify a larger dental problem.
Therefore, you should contact your dentist as soon as you can. You should follow any instructions they provide over the phone before you can repair the crown.
Prepare for an Emergency Dentist Appointment
Your dentist will recommend that you come into their office for an emergency dental appointment to repair your damaged crown. You should bring the broken crown with you if possible.
During this visit, your dentist will examine the crown, the tooth, and the rest of your mouth for signs of additional damage that may require treatment. If the crown is intact, your dentist can secure it back over the tooth in this session. They can provide you with a temporary crown if they need to create a new permanent crown to treat the tooth.
Prevent Future Dental Crown Damage
Once your dental crown is repaired, you will want to take precautions so that this dental emergency does not happen again. Your crown can withstand the everyday wear and tear that your teeth experience, but it can dislodge if exposed to abnormally high amounts of pressure.
For this reason, you should avoid biting down on hard items, like the end of a pen or fingernails. You should also let your dentist know if you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth.
Dental Crown Repair and More in Leland, NC
Waterford Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offers dental crown procedures and other restorative dental treatments to patients in Leland, NC. Dr. Heinsheimer also specializes in general and cosmetic dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment or consultation with our practice, contact us online or reach our office by phone at 910.519.1624.