Crowns aren’t built to last for your entire lifetime, which is why it’s important to know when it’s time to get it replaced. This precaution can help you avoid breaking or damaging it. However, accidents happen, and damaged restorations are a common dental emergency. Having a plan in place to address the problem can help you reduce the risk of additional oral damage. With guidance from a dentist in Irving, you’ll be able to preserve your vulnerable tooth and restore your oral health. Read on for tips in case your dental crown breaks.
What Causes A Crown To Break?
Dental crowns are made from strong, high-quality, and incredibly durable materials, including metal, porcelain, and ceramic. They’re designed to withstand everyday use, however, they aren’t built to last forever. The average lifespan of this restoration is typically around 15 years, but they can sometimes show signs of damage earlier than that. Some causes of a broken crown include:
- Damage to the face caused by an impact.
- A fall that affected the face.
- Teeth grinding and clenching.
- Everyday wear-and-tear.
- Chewing or biting down on something hard.
What Should You Do If A Crown Cracks?
If your dental crown is broken or damaged in any way, be sure to contact your emergency dentist in Irving as soon as possible. Depending on the amount of pain you’re in and whether your crown is still intact, it may be a day or two before the repair can take place. In the meantime, you can ease any sensitivity and discomfort by avoiding eating on that side of your mouth. If your crown is loose, it’s a good idea to remove it to prevent swallowing it. If your crown has fallen off, you can use denture adhesive or a small amount of toothpaste to temporarily reattach it until your appointment with your emergency dentist.
How Can An Emergency Dentist Fix Your Crown?
When you visit your emergency dentist, they’ll examine your tooth and determine the severity of the damage and whether or not it’s repairable. If the chip or crack isn’t large, they may be able to seal the broken area of the crown with composite resin that’s the same color as your restoration and natural teeth. In certain situations, your dentist may be able to simply smooth or reshape the crown to secure it back on your tooth. For more serious damage, they’ll need to repair it.
If you’re in any doubt about contacting your emergency dentist, remember that if something feels wrong, there most likely is. The sooner you contact your emergency dentist and get the problem addressed, the lower your risk of developing a more serious issue, such as a tooth infection, down the road.
About the Author
Dr. Rafiq Hirji understands that emergencies happen when you least expect them, which is why he offers urgent emergency dental treatment for patients in discomfort or pain. Our office is also open every Saturday, for the most unpredictable situations. He uses the latest dental technology to quickly diagnose and treat problems to get you out of pain faster. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an urgent appointment, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur’s website or call 972-546-4114.