Something happened and you just realized that you chipped your dental crown. You are maybe panicking right now, not knowing what to do about it, or even if there is a way to fix it. Is it going to affect your overall oral health?
In this article, we will explore what to do when your crown is chipped and how it can get fixed.
What Is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are caps that are placed on the surface of the teeth so that it restores the shape, size, strength, and appearance of the tooth.
When a dental filling is not a good solution because the damage is too severe, the dentist can recommend a dental crown. The crown will protect your tooth and restore its normal aspect and functionality.
Dental crowns are made of different materials, and they have a lifespan of 5 to 15 years, depending on how well you take care of them.
What To Do If a Crown Is Chipped
If you notice that your dental crown has cracked or chipped, the first thing you need to do is contact your dentist and follow their recommendations on what to do in cases like this.
Depending on how bad the situation is, your dentist will book an emergency appointment or send you to the emergency room.
If you do not have any pain, normally the dentist will wait until you can get to their office to get it replaced and fixed. But if you are in pain, especially severe pain and you are also experiencing other symptoms, you will be advised to go to the ER.
Until you get to your dentist’s office, there are some things you can do at home:
- Do not try to pull the crown out if it’s moving, unless your dentist says so.
- You might experience sensitivity to hot and cold as the pulp could be affected.
- If you’re bleeding, you can use a piece of gauze to apply to the affected area.
- You can rinse your mouth with warm water mixed with salt to alleviate any inflammation
But generally, always follow your dentist’s recommendation.
Can a Crown Be Repaired?
Crowns can be repaired or replaced.
The technique to restore a chipped crown requires a lot of experience as it is not an everyday practice. Your dentist will be able to guide you better.
Keep in mind that sometimes, the only option will be to simply replace the crown.
Do You Need Dental Advice in Del Mar? We Are Here
At Del Mar Dental Studio, we are a caring team of dentists always dedicated to making our patients feel safe and welcomed. Our attention to detail is laser-focused and we will make sure that you will get the best treatment around.
If you want to meet us, contact us, and let’s get to know each other.
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