Dental crowns are an effective and long-lasting restorative dental treatment. They feature a strong ceramic cap that a dentist fits over a vulnerable tooth and seals into place using dental cement.
The hard shell and secure bonding ensure that the crown can remain in place. But this tool is not indestructible. Accidents can occur which may lead a crown to crack or fall off of the tooth.
You should not ignore this incident – call your dentist if this happens. Read on to learn more about the durability of dental crowns and what actions you should take if your fixture breaks or dislodges.
What Can Cause a Dental Crown to Break?
Dentists design dental crowns to withstand the everyday wear and tear of chewing and biting that your teeth experience. But when exposed to abnormally high pressures, a crown can crack or dislodge from the tooth.
For this reason, dentists ask their patients to avoid biting down on hard items when they receive a dental crown. Examples include ice, fingernails, and the end of a pen.
If you grind or clench your teeth, you might have a risk of breaking a dental crown too. The grating of the top teeth against the bottom teeth generates pressure. This could similarly harm your crown as well as your surrounding teeth.
What Should I Do If I Hurt My Dental Crown?
When your dentist gives you a dental crown, they must remove a small amount of tooth enamel to make room for the cap over the tooth. If the crown cracks or becomes loose, the tooth becomes exposed as the seal is broken. This could put the underlying tooth at risk of cavities, infections, and other dental dangers.
You should call your dentist as soon as possible if you sustain damage to your dental crown. They will likely call you into their office for an emergency appointment to replace the crown or build you a new one. The staff can give you advice regarding pain management to help you in the time before you arrive for this visit.
How Can I Preserve My Dental Crown?
As mentioned, you can avoid accidents involving broken dental crowns by steering clear of biting hard-textured items. You should talk to your dentist to learn tips that can resolve a teeth-grinding habit too.
You can also make sure you continue good oral hygiene if you want to preserve your dental work and oral health. This entails brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing daily. You should also visit your dentist for routine teeth cleanings.
During these appointments, your dentist clears plaque and tartar build-up from hard-to-reach spots in your mouth. Schedule these cleanings as directed by your dentist. Then you can remove these residues before they harm your smile or your dental work. The dentist can also check that your crown is still working as it needs to over your teeth during these appointments.