Dental crowns are caps used to restore the natural tooth function and aspect. They are a great option when a filling is not enough to heal a damaged tooth. Dental crowns have quite a long life span and can resist for as long as five or even ten years with the right care and regular dentist visits.
However, despite your best efforts to care for the crown, you’ve noticed that it chipped. Maybe you bit a piece of food that was too hard or maybe they’ve simply reached the end of their life span.
What now?
Here’s what you need to do when a dental crown gets chipped.
Help! My Dental Crown Has Chipped!
First and foremost, you need to determine the damage. Is there any bleeding? Are you in need of any urgent medical care?
Then, follow these steps:
- Examine the affected area and see if the crown is loose and what pieces are missing. Contact your Escondido dentist and inform them of the incident. Your dentist will determine if an emergency visit is required or if a follow up treatment in the office will suffice.
- If the crown is loose, call your dentist immediately as you can be at risk for swallowing it. They may advise you to come in and get it professionally removed. This is usually a last resort and it’s why it’s so important to consult the dentist and follow their instructions.
- If the tooth pulp has also been affected, it’s now possible that you will experience a higher sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages. The dentist will be able to guide you through what to do.
- Bleeding can also be a consequence of the accident. In that case, apply gauze and press gently so that the bleeding stops.
- You can rinse your mouth with warm, salty water to reduce and calm the area as inflammation is usually normal if you’ve suffered a blow to your mouth.
Can a Dental Crown Be Fixed?
Yes and no. Let’s explore why in some cases it is possible to fix it and why sometimes the best option might be to replace it.
The process of fixing a crown involves extensive knowledge and practice as well as the proper tools. Your dentist will perform a very delicate process of bonding to repair the fix and that can take a lot of time and work.
If the damage is too high, it simply doesn’t make sense to spend all that time and resources trying to fix a crown when a new one would be the quicker and more cost-effective solution.
Did You Chip a Dental Crown? We Can Help
This is a simplified overview of the process of fixing chipped crowns. Dr. Douglas Hope has the expertise and tools to help you either fix or replace your chipped dental crown.
If you are looking for more information, send us a message and get in touch with us to book your appointment.
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