In our last blog, we talked about how fillings can repair your tooth after decay. But what do you do if you have damaged your tooth by cracking or chipping it? These kinds of injuries can be restored with a dental crown. Today, Dental Impressions of Ankeny, IA, is here to explain when a crown is necessary and how it can protect your smile.
Read more: Repair A Damaged Tooth With A CrownWhen Is A Crown Necessary
This type of restoration is used if you have an injured or weakened tooth, undergone root canal therapy, had an implant placed, and more. Breaking or chipping a tooth may happen when playing sports, biting into something too hard, or if your tooth has been worn down over time from problems like bruxism.
Injuring your tooth in this way is considered a dental emergency and should be looked at as soon as possible. When you crack a tooth, you are at risk of damaging it further if proper precautions are not taken. This may also cause sensitivity when eating or drinking, difficulty speaking, and even infection in severe cases.
Crowns After Root Canals And Implants
In other restorative dental work, crowns are used to treat and protect existing teeth. During a root canal, the decayed pulp of a tooth is removed and filled, and finally, the restorative piece is bonded in place. This helps protect the area against future cavities from forming.
Implants are a permanent prosthetic option. The crown is secured to an abutment, allowing for the prosthetic to blend in and look natural. This helps restore function to the area and protect the gums from receding or weakening.
After The Crown Is Placed
Your restoration will be handcrafted to fit perfectly to the area and blend in with your smile. In many cases, your restoration will last more than ten years with proper care. The piece is bonded to the surface, so you should have little worry about it coming off or breaking. To maintain the longevity of your restoration, remember to care for it as you would your natural tooth. This includes regular oral hygiene and visiting the dentist twice a year.
If you ignore the damage, you may face more intense dental work down the line. A small crack or chip can be cosmetically repaired with bonding. However, severe damage can continue to spread, and the tooth may even be lost permanently. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to address the damaged tooth as soon as possible with your dentist.
Repair Your Damaged Tooth Today
It is important to repair a damaged tooth as soon as possible to prevent further injury. To schedule an appointment with our team, call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA at (515) 965-0230 today.
