A dental crown is a ceramic or porcelain-based false tooth that replaces the original tooth that has been immensely damaged or decayed. Crowns are very strong and often last for a lifetime. But an accident can happen at any time.
If you have a dental crown, it is important to know what to do in case it becomes chipped or broken. The following article will focus on what to do if you chip or break your crown, and include information on:
- How a crown can break
- How to fix a broken crown tooth
- How to best take care of your dental crowns
What Should You Do If You Have a Broken Crown?
If you’ve broken a crown, you will likely know right away as you will be able to feel or see the damage. If the break or chip is minor, it might not cause any discomfort. Even if your chipped crown isn’t causing pain, you should call your dentist’s office immediately if you damage your crown. Let them know how the accident happened and how your tooth feels. They will help you determine if immediate action is required and how you should proceed.
How Can a Crown Break?
Because dental crowns are very durable, they typically won’t break on their own, although normal wear and tear over the course of several years can wear them down. A broken or chipped crown is often the result of an injury, such as falling or getting hit in the face with a ball. Grinding your teeth or biting down on something hard can also chip or break a crown.
Can You Repair a Broken Crown?
Depending on how much of the crown is damaged, it may be possible to repair it. If all or part of it has come off, save the crown to take to your dentist’s office. Your dentist will be able to determine if a repair is feasible.
If your crown has a small chip, some dentists may be able to repair it with resin. In cases of a severe chip or crack, you may need a new crown.
In some cases, if it isn’t possible to repair or replace the crown, your dentist may recommend other options, such as extraction of the tooth and a dental implant.
How Do You Take Care of Crowns So They Last a Long Time?
Accidents such as getting hit in the face aren’t always avoidable, but to protect your crown, avoid biting down on anything hard or using your teeth for purposes other than eating, such as opening bottle tops. If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about wearing a mouthguard while you sleep to protect your crown and the rest of your teeth.
Take care of your crown the same way you take care of the rest of your teeth: practice good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day, and floss regularly to remove bacteria.
Contact Your Trusted Maryborough Dentist Today!
At Maryborough Dental, we use dental crowns made from state-of-the-art materials to provide our clients with the highest degree of strength and durability possible. If you have any queries or to book an appointment call us on (07) 4122 2110.
