You cannot mistake the sinking feeling that you get when you run your tongue over the teeth and notice something that does not feel okay. That something is a cracked crown or a crown that has either been broken or even dislodged completely. The first thing that you are likely to do is to call your dentist.
Well, the good thing about a cracked crown is that though uncomfortable or unsightly, it is rarely an emergency. The only time it can become an emergency is when a jagged edge causes irritation to the tongue. If the tooth has a living underlying pulp, it can be sensitive to air, cold or heat when exposed.
Nevertheless, even if you do not experience pain you should have the issue addressed by an experienced dentist like Dr. Gabe Doria at his dental practice in Bayonne, NJ in Hudson County. Do not wait for more than two days before you seek medical attention. In fact, if you experience intense pain that interferes with your sleeping, working or eating ability, contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
Meanwhile…
If your dental crown breaks, cracks or becomes loose, there are mitigation steps that you can take until you visit a dentist.
These steps are as follows:
- Examine the affected area: Examine your broken crown carefully to determine whether there are pieces that have been dislodged or missing. In case you notice that the crown is loose, try pulling it off. This will enable you to avoid swallowing it accidently.
- Examine the remaining part of the tooth after removing the crown: Examine the remaining part of the tooth. Can it hurt the tongue? Does it look jagged? Can you withstand the unusual feeling for two days?
- Take over-the-counter-pain reliever if you experience minor pain: Some over-the-counter pain killer should help if you experience a minor pain on the area where you lost the crown. However, if the affected area is highly sensitive or bleeding, contact a dentist within the shortest time possible.
Causes of cracked dental crowns
Just like natural teeth, crowns are very strong. However, they are not completely impenetrable. You might have an unfortunate accident where you bit down on a hard object or food. For instance, ice cube or popcorn kernels. Clenching or grinding teeth adds too much pressure on crowns and this can make them crack.
There are times when age causes cracking of dental crowns. Nevertheless, when taken care of properly, dental crowns should last for 5 to 15 years. A small crack can also be initiated by everyday wear and grow over time. Eventually, you might notice a significant gap.
How a dental crown is repaired varies depending on severity and size of the incurred damage. In most cases, the dentist may simply reshape or smooth the remaining part of the crown.
However, if the dental crown has a severe dislodgment, break or crack, the dentist can recommend creation of a completely new crown. A dental post will be used to hold its appearance. A staff at the Dr. Gabe Doria office will help you with payment options and insurance to ensure that your dental procedure is as reasonably priced as possible.
Something feels off about the tooth rather than the crown
Maybe it is your tooth rather than the crown. When you have a crowned or capped tooth and you suddenly feel something off, you might naturally assume that it is the crown that has a problem. This is usually the case when the problem is with a back tooth that you cannot see using the mirror. However, the problem might not be the crown that has a crack. It can be the tooth beneath the crown.
A broken or cracked tooth should be treated right away. Waiting longer will lead to bacterial infections or widening of the crack. Damage or decay to your tooth may necessitate entire removal of the teeth or its replacement with an implant. Nevertheless, when uncertain whether it is the crown or the teeth that has a crack, visit a reputable dentist right away.
Contact us now to schedule your consultation with Dr. Gabe Doria at his dental practice in Bayonne, NJ in Hudson County.
