Dental crowns are often used to protect a tooth that has been damaged or is at risk for damage. However, crowns can sometimes become chipped. If you have a chipped crown, you may be wondering what you can do. Chipped crown treatment can be provided by a dentist who may be able to restore your crown to its original shape. However, if you have a chipped crown and you’re experiencing inner-tooth pain, you may need to visit an endodontist.
For top-quality endodontic services in Ellicott City, MD, reach out to Access Endodontics today. Led by Dr. Lina Jarboe and Dr. Burton Waxman, our team of experts can provide treatment to help you address your chipped tooth crown and pain, keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Reach out to our team at 410.304.7226 or connect with us online to schedule an appointment.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are caps that are placed over teeth. They are usually made out of porcelain or ceramic and are meant to look like natural teeth. Crowns can be used for both cosmetic and functional purposes. For example, they can be used to:
- Strengthen a weak or chipped tooth
- Restore the shape of an oddly shaped tooth
- Cover a discolored or stained tooth
- Support a dental bridge
Crowns are usually placed by a dentist. First, the tooth is prepared by removing any decay or damaged tissue. Then, an impression is made of the tooth so that the crown can be custom-made to fit. Once the crown is ready, it is placed over the prepared tooth and cemented into place.
What to Do if You’ve Chipped a Crown
If you have a dental crown, it’s important to take good care of it so that it lasts as long as possible. Avoid chewing on hard objects with your crowned tooth and brush and floss regularly to keep plaque and tartar from building up around it. Even with good care, however, crowns can sometimes become chipped by accident.
Chipped crowns often have sharp edges that can cut the gums or tongue and may need to be addressed before they cause further damage. A blow to the face or grinding your teeth at night can cause chipping, as well as decay or dental trauma.
If you’ve chipped a crown, the first step is to contact your dentist right away. If you are also experiencing inner-tooth pain, your dentist will most likely recommend and endodontist. An endodontist is a dental specialist who specializes in treating the inside of the teeth (the pulp). If you have a chipped crown, an endodontist will first assess the damage and determine whether the pulp has been exposed. If the pulp has not been exposed, the endodontist may be able to simply smooth out the edges of the chip so that it does not cause any further damage.
If the pulp has been exposed, however, more extensive treatment will likely be necessary. The endodontist will clean out the exposed pulp and then seal off the area to prevent infection. A new dental crown will then need to be placed over the treated tooth.
Reach Out to Access Endodontics Today
If you have a chipped dental crown, don’t wait to get treatment. The sooner you see a dentist, the better your chances of restoring your chipped tooth crown to its original shape and avoiding any further damage. For the best chipped crown treatment in Ellicott City, MD, reach out to Access Endodontics. Our team of experts can provide the care you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy, and if necessary, they will clean out any exposed pulp. They will work with your dentist to place a new dental crown over the treated tooth. If you have a chipped dental crown and are experiencing tooth pain, reach out to Access Endodontics today at 410.304.7226 or connect with us online to schedule an appointment—your smile is worth it.