Chipped Dental Implant Crown
What Is A Chipped Dental Implant Crown?
A dental implant crown is a prosthetic device used to replace a missing tooth. It is placed over an implant that has been surgically inserted into the jawbone to support the crown. While dental implant crowns are designed to be a long-term solution for missing teeth, complications can arise where they can chip or fracture.
A chipped dental implant crown refers to a situation where a portion of the porcelain on the implant crown breaks off, exposing some underlying metal framework or feeling jagged and sharp. This can happen due to various reasons, including trauma to the mouth, biting on hard objects, or wear and tear over time. A chipped dental implant crown can cause look unsightly, feel uncomfortable, and even further damage if left untreated. Before you contact a Toronto dentist to examine a Chipped Dental Implant Crown, there are some things you should know as a patient:
- Why Do I Have A Chipped Dental Implant Crown?
- Signs And Symptoms Of A Chipped Dental Implant Crown
- Treatment Options For A Chipped Dental Implant Crown
- How To Prevent A Chipped Dental Implant Crown
- Managing A Chipped Dental Implant Crown Until You Can See The Dentist
If you have questions about a Chipped Dental Implant Crown or other dental problems, please contact us for more information.
Why Do I Have A Chipped Dental Implant Crown?
There are several reasons why a dental implant crown may chip, including:
- Biting on hard objects: Chewing on ice, hard candy, or pens can cause a chipped dental implant crown.
- Teeth grinding: People who grind or clench their teeth at night may chip their dental implant crowns due to the excessive biting pressure.
- Trauma to the mouth: A fall, sports injury, or other types of accidents can cause a chipped dental implant crown.
- Natural wear and tear: Over time, dental implant crowns may weaken and become more prone to chipping.
- Poor fitting: A poorly fitted implant crown may not be able to withstand the pressure of biting and chewing, leading to chips and cracks.
It is important to identify the underlying cause of a chipped dental implant crown to prevent it from happening again in the future. A dentist can help diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment options. If you have further questions about a Chipped Dental Implant Crown, please contact us.
Signs And Symptoms Of A Chipped Dental Implant Crown
If you have a chipped dental implant crown, you may experience some of the following signs and symptoms:
- Visible damage: You may notice a visible chip or crack in your dental implant crown, which may look like a small piece of your tooth is missing.
- Roughness: You may feel a rough or jagged edge on your dental implant crown with your tongue or finger.
- Gum irritation: If the chipped area is sharp or jagged, it may irritate the surrounding gum tissue and make it read or bleed.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek prompt dental attention. A dentist can evaluate the extent of the damage and provide appropriate treatment to prevent further complications. Delaying treatment may lead to more extensive damage, pain, and infection. If you have further questions about signs and symptoms related to a Chipped Dental Implant Crown, please contact us.
Treatment Options For A Chipped Dental Implant Crown
The treatment for a chipped dental implant crown may vary depending on the severity of the damage and the underlying cause. Some common treatment options include:
- Dental bonding: If the chip is small, a dentist may use tooth-colored composite resin to fill in the damaged area.
- Smoothing off the rough edge: If the chipped area is small, superficial and not very noticeable, the dentist may be able to simply smooth off the rough edge.
- Implant Crown replacement: If the damage is significant, a new implant crown may need to be placed.
It is important to seek prompt treatment for a chipped dental implant crown to prevent further damage and to avoid potential infection or tooth loss. If you have further questions about treatment options for a Chipped Dental Implant Crown, please contact us.
How To Prevent A Chipped Dental Implant Crown
Although it is impossible to completely prevent a chipped dental implant crown, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing this dental issue, including:
- Avoid chewing on hard objects: Refrain from chewing on hard items like ice, hard candy, or pens that can damage dental implant crowns.
- Wear a mouthguard: If you participate in contact sports or have a habit of teeth grinding, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth and dental implant crowns. Moreover, if you clench or grind your teeth at night, have your dentist make for you a custom-fitted night guard.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can help prevent peri-implantitis and damage to your teeth and dental implant crowns.
- Address any issues promptly: If you notice any discomfort or changes in your dental implant crown, seek prompt dental attention to prevent further damage.
By following these preventative measures, you can reduce your risk of experiencing a chipped dental implant crown and maintain your oral health. If you have further questions about how to prevent a Chipped Dental Implant Crown, please contact us.
Managing A Chipped Dental Implant Crown Until You Can See The Dentist
If you have a chipped dental implant crown and are unable to see a dentist immediately, there are several things you can do to manage the situation until you can receive professional treatment, including:
- Keep the chipped part of the dental implant crown in a safe place: Place the chipped part of the dental implant crown in a bag and keep it in a safe place. Do not forget to bring it with you to your dental appointment.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Keeping the area around the chipped implant crown as clean as possible can help prevent peri-implantitis and other unwanted complications. Brush and floss gently around the exposed tooth. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water or mouthwash can help reduce infection, inflammation and alleviate toothache pain. You can buy any mouthwash available at your pharmacy or health foods store. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish the solution around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
- Avoid eating hard or sticky foods: Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth. If the tooth feels sensitive to hot or cold, it is best to eat lukewarm food and drink for the time being.
It is important to remember that these are temporary solutions and that you should seek professional dental care as soon as possible. A dentist can assess the extent of the damage and provide appropriate treatment to restore your dental implant crown and prevent further complications. If you have further questions about managing a Chipped Dental Implant Crown, please contact us.
