What to Do if Your Dental Crown Comes Off
A dental crown can be a big relief when you have tooth pain, cosmetic concerns, or other problems in your mouth. People have used crowns for a long time to strengthen and protect teeth. In recent years, crowns have become even stronger, but this does not mean they cannot break. If there are issues with yours, there are some important steps you should take. The last thing you want to do is go through your days with a broken crown, so make sure you take quick action.
The many uses of a dental crown
Crowns are often the right treatment for certain cosmetic and oral health conditions. A dentist may first detect issues during a routine wellness exam, but patients may also alert the dentist of needs when symptoms such as pain or visible damage occur. Crowns do an effective job of strengthening weak teeth that have suffered chips, cracks, or fractures. A crown can also support a large filling that is too much for the tooth to handle. Crowns may also cover blemishes such as discolored teeth, worn teeth, misaligned teeth, or abnormally small or large teeth.
The process of getting a crown
Before fitting a patient with a dental crown, the dentist must first take X-rays and make impressions of the person’s teeth. This allows a technician to make the crown in a lab using ceramic or porcelain. Some dentists have the equipment to make the crown in the office during the same visit. Once the crown is ready, the patient returns to the dentist’s office. The dentist will then cement the crown in place and check to make sure it fits properly and is comfortable.
Alerting the dentist
If a crown breaks or comes out, the person should not dismiss the issue. Instead, call the dentist immediately. Most dentists can get patients in for same-day appointments. The dentist may be able to repair the crown, so the person should bring it in if possible. Before the appointment, avoid chewing in the area where the crown was. Some people may be tempted to put off visiting the dentist, but this can lead to further tooth damage or other problems such as decay or infections.
What to avoid
If a dental crown falls out, the individual should not dispose of it. Instead, the person should retrieve it and bring it to the dental appointment. The dentist might be able to bond it back in place over the tooth. Also, a person with a missing crown should avoid eating hard, sticky, or chewy foods. Brushing vigorously can also aggravate the area.
Stay on top of it
When you get a dental crown to repair a tooth or enhance a smile, you want it to do its job well for many years. You can achieve this goal if you are careful about maintaining the crown. If misfortune strikes and the crown comes out or breaks, your dentist can help. With another trip to the dentist’s office, you can restore your crown and once again enjoy the benefits that this treatment offers.
Request an appointment here: https://www.qualitygentledentalcare.com or call Roman Khodosh DDS PC at (973) 676-2541 for an appointment in our East Orange office.
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