Dental crowns are a useful restorative dental treatment that features ceramic caps that secure over a tooth. These caps protect the tooth from stimulation or harm from exterior elements.
Crowns are durable but can be subject to falling out or breaking if exposed to abnormal amounts of pressure. Dr. Michael Mulkey, a dentist in Marietta, GA, outlines actions you can take if you suffer damage to your dental crowns.
Call Your Dentist As Soon As Possible
A dental crown that has become loose, fallen out, or broken is considered a dental emergency. When a dentist places a crown over a tooth, they shave some of the enamel away from the tooth to make room for the cap.
This reveals the underlying layer of dentin, which contains nerves that send pain signals to the brain when stimulated. If a crown is damaged, the dentin is vulnerable to stimulation and can leave a patient with excruciating symptoms like tooth sensitivity.
You should call your dentist if your crown is damaged, even if you do not notice symptoms like these. The tooth could be at risk of further harm without the protection of the crown. The dentist can also offer advice to relieve any pain in the immediate time before you schedule an emergency dental appointment.
Prepare for Emergency Dentist Appointment
If your dental crown has fallen out, be sure to bring it to your dentist appointment. Your dentist will examine the crown and tooth for signs of any additional damage and complete any necessary restorative work.
If the crown is intact, the dentist will secure the crown back over the tooth. Your dentist can provide you with a temporary crown if a new permanent crown must be constructed.
Prevent Future Dental Crown Damage
Dental crowns are built to withstand the everyday wear and tear your teeth experience but can become damaged under severe pressure. 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 are prone to teeth grinding or clenching. They might recommend that you wear a mouthguard at night to protect your teeth and crowns from bruxism that may occur during sleep.
Dental Crowns and More in Marietta, GA
Lost Mountain Dental offers dental crowns and other restorative dental treatments to patients in Marietta, GA. Dr. Mulkey also specializes in cosmetic and general dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 678.212.1280.