A broken crown can be a curious thing when it relates to dental health. A broken crown needs to be assessed and evaluated by an experienced dentist in order to determine the cause of the damage, and if replacement is necessary. After assessing the crown, if deemed necessary for replacement, a new crown must be formed in a lab or 3D printer, tailored specifically for individual tooth size and shape, which can take up to two weeks. If a cracked or discolored crown is simply covered with dental cement without being replaced, there are several risks that come with that too since the underlying problem remains unresolved. It's important to seek prompt treatment as soon as possible after discovering a broken crown - keep in mind that improper care can lead to more significant damage down the road.
What is A Broken Dental Crown?
A broken dental crown is a cap that covers and restores the shape of a damaged tooth. This type of restoration is necessary to restore full function of the tooth and prevent further deterioration or infection. Dental crowns can be made from different materials, including metal alloys, porcelain fused to metal, resin, or ceramics. A broken dental crown often occurs due to sudden impact but can also be caused by excess wear over time, an untreated cavity, or poor restoration. If a dental crown breaks it should be replaced as soon as possible in order to ensure the continued health of the affected tooth. Fortunately, because there are a variety of materials that can be used for dental crowns, finding one that fits in with a patient’s budget isn’t difficult.
Is it Common For a Dental Crown to Break?
- Although dental crowns are designed to be durable, they can potentially break due to wear and tear over time or because of accident or trauma. However, it is not very common for a dental crown to break since it is made from strong material such as metal or porcelain. On rare occasions, the broken pieces may still be attached securely enough to the underlying tooth for them to be repaired with a composite resin if the break did not involve severe damage. Since a dental crown is placed by professional dentists and often with careful examination of your condition, problems arising from it are quite rare.
How Serious is a Broken Crown?
- A broken crown can be a potentially serious issue. Depending on how the crown breaks or chips, there may be further damage to the tooth, gums, and surrounding area of the mouth. This can cause discomfort and pain in addition to looking visually unpleasant. As such, it is important to pay attention to any signs of broken pieces of a crown and to seek out dental help as soon as possible. A dental professional will assess the severity of damage before discussing options for either repairing or replacing the broken crown, usually based on its age and whether repair is possible. Regardless of the outcome, treating a broken crown is essential to keeping your teeth healthy in the long run.
How Can You Prevent a Broken Dental Crown from Happening?
- Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent a broken dental crown from occurring. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once daily will help keep the crown strong and securely in place. Also, avoiding hard or sticky foods such as candy, popcorn, chips and measuring your sugar intake are essential for avoiding any trauma or damage to the restorations. It’s important to make routine visits to the dentist for cleanings and checkups that can help detect any potential issues with your dental crown before they become major problems. With the proper care and maintenance from both you and your dentist, a broken dental crown can be avoided.
How to Know if You Have a Broken Dental Crown and What are The Symptoms to Look Out For?
- If you suspect that you may have a broken dental crown, it is important to pay close attention to your oral health. One of the most common symptoms to look out for is increased sensitivity in the area near the original crown. This may manifest as discomfort when consuming food and beverages or pain when chewing or biting down on something hard. In some cases, a broken dental crown may lead to difficulty speaking, such as through a lisp or slurring of words. Other signs include physical damage to the area – particularly visible cracks or jagged edges – and any discoloration of the affected tooth. If any of these symptoms occur, it’s important to consult with a dentist right away so they can assess the matter and determine if a replacement is necessary.
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What Are the Treatment Options Available for a Broken Dental Crown and Which One is Right for You?
- When it comes to a broken dental crown, the best treatment option for you depends on the extent of the damage and your own preferences. Depending on what type of crown was initially installed, the dentist might suggest a repair using composite resin. This material can be used to either remake parts of a porcelain crown or, in some cases, even reconstruct an entire one. More extensive damage may require a replacement call cap which is molded from impressions taken from the patient’s mouth. Additional treatment could include new bonding agents or internal reinforcements. Whatever your situation may be, it is important to make sure that you explore all available options with your dentist and weigh the pros and cons before making any decisions about treatments for your broken dental crown..
What Happens if a Dental Crown Breaks Off?
- If a dental crown breaks off, it is important to contact the dentist right away. The longer you wait to have it examined and potentially repaired, the more damage there could be to the impacted tooth, as bacteria buildup between the gap and surrounding teeth will become a problem. The dentist might opt to simply reattach the crown if there isn’t significant decay or damage to it. In other cases, additional treatments like root canal therapy may be needed before new crowns can be placed. An experienced dentist should be able to assess the situation and provide an effective solution for restoring the health of your mouth.
Can a Broken Dental Crown be Fixed?
- IYes, a broken dental crown can be fixed! The Dentist will assess the damage and determine if it is possible to repair your crown or if you need a new one. If the crown can be salvaged, then it will be cemented back into place, completing the restoration process. However, if your original crown cannot be fixed, your Dentist may recommend that it needs to be replaced with a new one. Your Dentist will explain all of your options and help you choose the best option suited for you and your individual situation.
Is a Dental Crown Breaking an Emergency?
- A broken dental crown can certainly be inconvenient, especially during an important event or presentation, but it is not generally considered an emergency. The most pressing situation may be feeling embarrassed about the gap left in your smile until you see the dentist, yet a crown breaking does not immediately put your oral health at risk. If this occurs, contact your dentist to make an appointment as soon as you can, or call their office and explain the circumstance if it cannot wait. In some cases, short-term temporary measures like wax or adhesive can be used to provide a degree of protection and a less obvious appearance until you can receive a proper repair or replacement.
How Can you Care For Your Teeth after a Broken Crown?
- After a broken crown, it is important to take steps to ensure that the teeth remain healthy and strong. A good way to do this is by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day. Additionally, minimizing sugar and sticky foods helps to keep bacteria from forming on the teeth, and regular dental checkups can help monitor the condition of the teeth. With proper care, you can make sure your teeth stay strong and healthy after sustaining a broken crown.
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Do You Have Questions about Crowns? Contact St. George Dental Care Today
If you’re considering having a crown completed for your dental needs, St. George Dental Care is here to help. Our dentists are highly experienced and trained in the placement of both traditional and implant-supported crowns. We’ve seen firsthand how it can be beneficial to improve the structure and appearance of your teeth, as well as promoting positive oral health with durable, long-lasting restorations. And with our dedication to patient comfort throughout all treatments, regardless of the procedure being performed, you can expect exceptional service from start to finish. Whether you have questions about the process or want to know more about materials used in crowns, our team is always happy to answer them so you can make an informed decision that’s right for you and your smile! Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
