Dental crowns are expected to last 10 to 15 years with proper care, but as everyone knows, accidents do happen from time to time and your dental crowns are no exception.
But what can you do if you chip or crack your dental crown? Here are the steps you should take after you discover the crack or chip.
Find the closest mirror and try to get a good look at the crown and see what the damage is. Use your tongue to check the sensitivity and if there is any pain. If there is no pain and the crown is loose, you can even remove the crown yourself before it falls off on its own. This can prevent accidentally swallowing it or having it fall off during sleep.
Whether you decide to remove the crown or leave it in place, you will need to determine if you are feeling any pain in the area of the crown. Is it sensitive to touch? Does it feel sensitive when you breathe in air? Are there any sharp or jagged edges that could cause cuts or scrapes in your mouth or on your tongue?
These are some of the questions you will need to find the answer to. If you do not have any pain and the crown looks safe to leave in, you don’t have to take immediate action, you can make a dentist appointment at a convenient time. If there is any pain or if the crown looks like it might be dangerous to leave, you should contact a Rothschild dentist immediately and book an appointment as soon as possible.
Even if you find that there is no pain and the crown looks okay, you should still call your dentist and book an appointment. The longer a cracked or chipped crown is left without repair, the larger the process of repairing or replacing it becomes. When you see your dentist, your crown will either be repaired or replaced based on the situation.
A chipped or cracked crown is never something you want to happen, but luckily most are simple fixes. In many cases, the crown can be repaired with a composite resin material similar to what is used to repair cavities.
Some severe cases can cause damage to the surrounding teeth, which will also need to be assessed or repaired as well. If the crown is damaged beyond the point of being repaired, it will need to be replaced entirely. In this case, a new mold will be taken and you will have a whole new crown installed in place of the old one.
If you have chipped or cracked a crown, or if you have questions, contact Dr. Lisa M. Skutak and her team at Skutak Dental. Book an appointment with our Rothschild practice and we will help you restore your beautiful smile.
