There are a few kinds of dental issues where prompt attention is important, and dental crown repair or replacement needs are a good example. What are some signs a dental crown has been damaged and requires attention, and why is early intervention important here?
At Midnight Sun Dental, we’re here to offer the best dental crown services available around Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla and nearby parts of Alaska, including dental crown repair and replacement services. Here are some signs that indicate an issue with your dental crown, plus some reasons why early dental crown repair or replacement is important for addressing these concerns and maintaining quality oral health.
Signs That Indicate Crown Damage
Here are some of the potential signs that can indicate you have an issue with a dental crown:
- Pain: One of the most common signs of a damaged dental crown is pain. This can range from mild discomfort to severe throbbing, and may be accompanied by sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
- Discomfort while chewing: If you experience pain or discomfort while biting down on food, it could be a sign that your dental crown is no longer fitting properly or has suffered damage.
- Visible damage: Cracks, chips, or fractures in the dental crown are obvious signs of damage and require immediate attention.
- Loose crown: A loose dental crown can indicate that the underlying tooth structure has been compromised or that the cement holding the crown in place has failed.
How Dentists Evaluate Crown Health
If you’re having your crown evaluated by a dentist, they will likely perform the following steps:
- Visual inspection: The first step is for the dentist to visually inspect the crown for any visible damage or signs of wear.
- X-rays: Next, the dentist may take x-rays to get a better look at the underlying tooth structure and check for any potential issues such as decay or root canal problems.
- Bite test: In some cases, dentists may use a bite test to determine if the crown is fitting properly and not causing any discomfort while chewing.
Why Early Dental Crown Repair or Replacement is Important
There are a few reasons why it’s important to address any issues with your dental crown as soon as possible:
- Prevent further damage: If left untreated, a damaged or loose dental crown can lead to further damage to the underlying tooth structure. This can result in more extensive and expensive dental work down the line.
- Maintain proper function: A damaged or ill-fitting dental crown may affect your ability to properly chew food, causing discomfort and difficulty eating.
- Preserve aesthetics: A broken or chipped dental crown can be unsightly and negatively impact your smile’s appearance. Timely repair or replacement of the crown can help maintain a natural-looking smile.
- Avoid discomfort: A damaged or loose dental crown can cause pain or sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. This can greatly impact your daily life and make it difficult to enjoy certain foods or drinks.
Importance of Crown Care
One important way of avoiding these kinds of crown damage issues is by taking proper care of your dental crown. Just like natural teeth, crowns require regular maintenance and care to ensure their longevity and effectiveness. Some key steps you can take to maintain your crown include:
- Brushing twice a day: Regular brushing with a soft-bristled brush can help remove plaque and bacteria build-up on the surface of your crown.
- Flossing daily: Flossing can reach areas that brushing may miss, helping to prevent decay around the edges of your crown.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods: Chewing on hard objects such as ice cubes or biting into sticky candies can put unnecessary stress on your crown and increase the risk of damage.
- Attend regular check-ups: Regular visits to your dentist can help catch any potential issues with your crown early on and ensure it is still secure and fitting properly.
- Wear a mouthguard: If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can protect your crown from damage.
As you can see, there are some robust ways to protect your dental crown from damage once it’s in your mouth. And if your crown does become damaged, prompt attention for crown repair or replacement is important to maintain your oral health.
At Midnight Sun Dental, we’re here to help with all your dental crown needs around Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla and nearby areas. Contact us today for these or any other dental services!