Cracking one of your teeth unexpectedly can cause some discomfort, but you might not realize you need a crown without seeing your dentist. Upon learning this information, you might have additional questions or want to know more about the situation. If you've not talked with your dentist yet, here are some issues you'll need to be aware of and discuss at your appointment if you do indeed require a crown procedure.

Waiting For It

A small crack in a single tooth might not appear to be an emergency situation. You might delay your appointment, and if notified that you're going to need a new crown, you might be hoping to put it off. However, it's vital you realize that, should the crack deepen, it could ultimately become so deep that you no longer need a crown. You may require a more serious procedure: a root canal. Therefore, avoid waiting to have the work done.

Selecting Materials

Because you've never had a crown installed in the past, you may leave all the decisions up to your dentist. However, this can have some consequences. Some dentists apply a crown that has a porcelain surface and a metal underlay, referred to as a PFM (porcelain fused to metal) crown. This is an affordable solution to your problem, but it's worth noting that the surface could erode over time and reveal the metal. These crowns are usually put on the less visible teeth, but you need to talk with your dentist if you would prefer a ceramic crown, used for front teeth. Sometimes more costly, ceramic crowns tend to appear more natural.

Dealing with Sensitivity

You might think your days of pain are over when you have the procedure and the crown is inside your mouth, only to discover that you have some degree of discomfort when drinking hot beverages or cold foods. This sensitivity should pass as the days continue, but if it becomes unbearable, it's a smart idea for you to take action. One of the things you can do to feel better is to pick up one of the toothpastes that are formulated to assist with sensitive teeth. Mouthwashes are also available. Before using any of those, however, ask your dentist about which products, if any, you should avoid.

A crown can protect your tooth from becoming further damaged, so you need to find out what you can as soon as possible. Talking with your local dentist further about what will happen and how you should care for your tooth later is a smart idea.

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