What to Do If You Have a Loose or Damaged Dental Crown
If you had seriously decayed or damaged teeth, you likely got dental crowns. These caps help protect the underlying structure of a tooth from damage, allowing you to bite, chew, and smile like normal.
Even though crowns are carefully bonded to the underlying tooth structure, it is possible for the crown to get damaged or to come loose. What should patients do about loose or damaged crowns? The team at Wyse Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Bloomington, IL, has some answers.
Immediately See Your Dentist About Your Crown
Contact our office as soon as you notice a change in the fit of your crown or damage to your crown.
By getting these issues resolved as soon as possible, you can avoid potential problems down the road.
Make Sure to Keep the Crown or Crown Fragment
If your crown breaks or falls out, be sure to hold on to the fragment or full restoration. When you come to our Bloomington office, we may be able to repair or reposition the restoration.
Consequences of Not Getting Your Crown Fixed
If you don’t get your crown repaired or replaced, you may face the following issues.
Pain and Discomfort
A damaged tooth may expose your sensitive underlying tooth structure. This can lead to acute sensitivity when biting, chewing, or having any foods/beverages that are hot or cold in temperature.
Damage to the Underlying Tooth Structure
Without the protective crown in place, the underlying tooth structure can wear down further. There’s also the risk of tooth decay to the tooth structure, which can compromise the health of the tooth.
Risk of Root Canal Infection
With the tooth structure exposed, there’s a greater risk of root canal infection. This could result in the formation of a dental abscess and much more serious health problems.
Reasons Your Crown May Have Been Damaged or Come Loose
Here are a few reasons your crown may have become damaged or changed fit:
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) - If you grind your teeth, the pressure on your crown can cause it to wear down. The pressure can also affect the underlying tooth structure under the crown.
- Trauma to the Mouth - A blow to the head or face could cause a crown to become cracked or lead to it falling out entirely.
- Biting/Chewing Hard Objects - If you bite your nails, use your teeth to open packages, eat on ice cubes, or chew on drinking straws, this could lead to damaged crowns.
- Tooth Decay - Even though crowns cap teeth, there’s a risk of decay affecting the underlying tooth structure. This could affect the overall fit of a crown.
Replacing a Loose or Damaged Dental Crown
If you do need a new dental crown, the procedure is straightforward and very similar to the initial crown placement. We can take new impressions as needed to ensure the proper fit of the new restoration.
Request an Appointment to Have Your Crowns Checked
Need to get your crown looked at by a dental professional? If so, contact our office in Bloomington. We’ll repair damage or help you get a new crown that you’re happy with.