If you have a vulnerable tooth that requires dental care, your dentist may recommend restorative treatment with dental crowns. These ceramic caps cover an affected tooth and shield it from harm that could occur due to external elements.
Though crowns are durable, accidents may occur that cause a crown to fall out or break. Dr. Paul Larsen, a dentist in Bountiful, UT, outlines actions you can take if you sustain damage to your dental crown.
Call Your Dentist As Soon As Possible
When your dentist places a dental crown over your tooth, they remove part of your tooth enamel to make room for the cap. If your crown becomes damaged, this part of your tooth becomes exposed and underlying dentin could be stimulated.
Dentin contains nerves that send pain signals to the brain when stimulated, creating tooth sensitivity. Tooth pain of any kind is abnormal and should be evaluated by a dental professional as soon as possible. Even if you find the pain tolerable, it could be a symptom of a larger dental issue and you should let your dentist know about it.
Attend Emergency Dentist Appointment
Your dentist will likely ask you to come into their office for an emergency appointment to repair the dental crown. If your crown has fallen off of your tooth, you should bring this crown with you to the office if possible.
Your dentist will evaluate the health of the tooth and the rest of your mouth for signs of additional damage. If the crown is intact, they will resecure the crown to the affected tooth. The dentist can provide you with a temporary crown if a new permanent crown must be constructed.
Avoid Future Dental Crown Damage
Dental crowns are built to withstand the wear and tear that your teeth endure every day, but abnormally high amounts of pressure could cause damage to the cap. For this reason, you should avoid biting down on hard objects, such as fingernails, ice, or the end of a pen.
You should also let your dentist know if you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth. They may recommend that you wear a mouthguard overnight to protect your crown from grinding that may occur as you sleep.
Dental Crown Repair and More in Bountiful, UT
Dr. Larsen offers dental crown procedures and other restorative dental treatments to patients in Bountiful, UT. Our practice 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 801.228.0155.