Your pearly whites can withstand a lot of pressure, but they are not unbreakable. If you have harmed a tooth from an accident, teeth grinding, or other situation, it is important to have this repaired as soon as possible. Your El Paso, TX, dentist team offers crowns that may be able to repair the injury and blend in with your natural dental structures.
How Does A Tooth Break?
Accidents like this may happen during contact sports, car wrecks, biting into something to hard, and many other scenarios. Some people may have weaker teeth that are more susceptible to these problems. Genetics, health conditions, and problems such as bruxism may cause you to have a weaker enamel or severely worn dental structures. Regardless of how the injury has occurred, it is important to seek treatment for this problem as soon as you are able. A fractured or chipped dental structure could cause discomfort, and sensitivity, and may be at risk of an infection. If you have harmed a tooth, try to keep the area clean and call your dentist for an urgent appointment. You may be able to take over-the-counter pain reducers to relieve discomfort you may be feeling.
A Crown May Be Able To Restore The Area
A dental crown can be used to cover and protect the injured spot. They can help repair the damage and provide protection. You may also need to have one added after a root canal, before having a dental bridge installed, or paired with an implant.
It may take a few appointments to receive this restoration. At the first one, the area will be assessed, and an impression will be taken of your pearly whites. This impression is then sent to a lab where it will be created. Crowns may be made of materials such as porcelain, zirconia, or metal, depending on where they will be placed. In general, more visible teeth may have a porcelain cap, and your back molars will likely receive a metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal cap. Once the piece has been created, your dentist will bond it to the tooth.
This Restoration Is Durable And Long Lasting
Your cap can last for several years as long as it is well-maintained. You can continue to brush and floss as you usually would to help prevent cavities or gum disease from developing. Do not forget to come in for a biannual checkup as well to keep your smile healthy. You may need to avoid certain foods that are hard or crunchy to avoid damaging the cap.
Learn More About Your Options
If you have any questions about your restoration options, or would like to schedule an appointment, call Sunny Smiles Family Dentistry in El Paso, TX, today at 915.759.7000.