Tips to Save a Tooth That is Knocked Out

If your tooth has been damaged by trauma, decay, or a dental procedure, a dental crown may be needed to complete the restoration of your mouth. Your dentist may prescribe a different type of crown, depending on the type of tooth that has been damaged. 

Here are a few different instances in which a crown may be used and the type of crown that may be applied:

A Large Pediatric Cavity

When a large cavity develops in a pediatric tooth, the dentist may choose to treat the tooth, even though it will eventually be shed. Baby teeth should remain in the mouth until they are naturally replaced by their permanent counterparts. Each baby tooth acts as a placeholder for the adult tooth that will replace it. When a baby tooth is lost before its time, the gap that it leaves behind may allow the other teeth to migrate, causing the adult teeth to present in a crooked configuration.

As a result, the dentist often tries to preserve the decayed primary tooth by removing the decay, filling the tooth, and applying a dental crown. For pediatric cavities, dentists often use stainless steel crowns. The color of a crown used for a primary tooth may not be as important as that of a crown for a permanent tooth, because the baby tooth will shed. Also, stainless steel crowns can be applied during a single appointment. The crown is simply placed over the damaged tooth and molded into place, protecting and fortifying the tooth.

A Decayed Permanent Tooth Near the Front of the Mouth

If a permanent tooth near the front of the mouth has suffered decay, after the tooth has been filled, a tooth-colored crown will likely be applied. Dental crowns that are made of porcelain, resin, or porcelain-over-resin are white and can be tinted to match the color of the patient's adjacent teeth. As a result, the restored tooth looks natural. To ensure that the crown fits properly in the mouth, a mold or impression is made of the tooth. This impression guides the shape of the crown.

Before the tooth-colored crown is placed, a bit of the tooth's enamel is removed, so the crown fits properly in the mouth. A temporary crown may be used to protect the tooth until the permanent crown is fabricated.

To learn more about dental crowns and their uses, schedule a consultation with services such as Demianko Dental Care.