Patients seeking restorative treatment to protect vulnerable teeth find secure solutions in dental crowns. These durable caps are placed over an affected tooth to shield it from potential external harm.
Accidents can happen that dislodge or break a crown, leaving the underlying tooth at risk of further impairment. Dr. Ali Sarkarzadeh, a dentist in Rockville, MD, outlines actions you can take if you sustain damage to your dental crowns.
Call Dentist As Soon As Possible
When your dentist secures a dental crown to your tooth, they remove some enamel to make room for the cap. This means that if damage occurs to your crown, underlying dentin could be exposed.
Dentin contains nerves that send pain signals to your brain when stimulated in a condition called tooth sensitivity. Tooth pain of any kind is abnormal and should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible.
Even if you do not notice pain or consider it to be tolerable, you should still contact your dentist promptly. Your vulnerable tooth could be at risk of additional harm without an intact dental crown to protect it.
Schedule Emergency Dentist Appointment
Your dentist will likely ask you to come to their office for an emergency appointment. They will examine your mouth for signs of further damage to the affected tooth.
If the crown is still fully intact, the dentist will resecure it into place over your tooth. Your dentist can provide you with a temporary crown if you require a new permanent crown to be constructed.
Avoid Future Dental Crown Harm
Dental crowns are durable but can be subject to dislodging or breaking 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 have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth. They might recommend that you wear a mouthguard at night to protect your dental crown from grinding that may occur as you sleep.
Repair Dental Crowns Promptly in Rockville, MD
Congressional Dental Care offers dental crowns and other restorative dental treatments to patients in Rockville, MD. Dr. Sarkarzadeh 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 301.276.4694.