Post and Core Crown and tongue thrusting...Am I in danger of fracturing root?

Question

I had a root canal on my left front tooth 9 years ago with no crown. Last week my tooth broke and my dentist put in temp crown which lasted a week when the rest of tooth broke off at the gum line. I then first realized that I push my tongue into that one tooth when I swallow and sleep. The dentist then did a post and core and I've noticed that I've already pushed the crown forward by about a mm and I'm terrified that this will cause a fractured root. What can be done and is my fear justified?

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

It is possible that you could loose your post and core and crown, but generally, they are very strong and durable.  I would not waste time worrying about this eventually breaking, because it may very well never break.  Some dentists may recommend a night guard, but I have not found them useful to preserve post core crowns.  Whether the post and core fails in 2 months or lasts forever, at this point, you cannot really do much about it, until after it fails.  This means, getting an implant (expensive) or a bridge (less expensive) to cosmetically replace the potentially missing tooth.Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMD

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

Although your tongue habit may continue to push your tooth outward, the forces on your teeth by your tongue are less likely to fracture your teeth than biting into hard food, or in people without "tongue trust behaviors" who grind or clench their teeth frequently and very hard.  Tongue trust therapy is not very successful, thus it is doubtful that this habit of yours will ever discontinue even if your saw a speech therapist to address it.My advice is not to dwell or worry about it.  Give things time to settle down.If you did loose your teeth due to fracture you should consider a dental implant.  The great thing about dental implants with crowns is that they won't move with your tongue thrust habit, as they are solidly joined to bone.

Post and Core Crown and tongue thrusting...Am I in danger of fracturing root?

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Post and Core Crown and tongue thrusting...Am I in danger of fracturing root?

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