Dental crowns are designed to be durable and long-lasting, but like any dental restoration, they can sometimes become damaged. If you’ve ever experienced a broken or cracked crown, you may be wondering: Can a dental crown be repaired or replaced if it breaks? The short answer is yes—dental crowns can be repaired or replaced, depending on the severity of the damage. In this article, we’ll explore what to do if your dental crown breaks, how to address the issue, and how to prevent future damage.
Understanding Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and function. Crowns are typically made from durable materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these. They are custom-made to fit over the natural tooth and provide protection and strength, especially for teeth that have been weakened by decay, trauma, or extensive fillings.
While dental crowns are designed to last for many years, they can become damaged due to various reasons, including:
- Biting down on hard foods or objects
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Accidental trauma or injury
- Age-related wear and tear
What Happens If a Dental Crown Breaks?
If your dental crown breaks, the first thing you should do is assess the extent of the damage. In some cases, the crown may have just cracked or become loose, while in other instances, it may be completely shattered. The steps you take will depend on the severity of the break.
- Minor Cracks or Chips
If the crown has a small crack or chip but is still intact and stable, it might not need to be replaced entirely. In some cases, your dentist may be able to repair the crown by filling in the crack or smoothing out the chipped area. However, it’s important to note that not all cracks or chips can be repaired, especially if they affect the structural integrity of the crown.
- Severely Damaged Crowns
If the crown is broken into pieces or completely shattered, it will likely need to be replaced. A damaged crown that is no longer structurally sound cannot effectively protect the tooth, and leaving it in place could lead to further damage or even infection. Your dentist will remove the broken crown and take impressions to create a new one.
How Are Broken Dental Crowns Repaired or Replaced?
- Repairing a Crown
While not all crowns can be repaired, in certain cases, your dentist may attempt a repair, particularly for minor chips or cracks. For porcelain crowns, repairing a small chip can sometimes be done with a bonding agent, but this depends on the size and location of the damage. Keep in mind that repaired crowns may not be as durable as an entirely new crown, and a repair may only be a temporary solution until a full replacement can be made.
- Replacing a Crown
If the damage to the crown is significant, the only option is to replace it. Here’s what typically happens when a crown needs to be replaced:
- Removal: The broken crown is carefully removed by your dentist.
- Impression: An impression of your tooth will be taken to create a new crown that fits perfectly.
- Temporary Crown: While the new crown is being made, your dentist may place a temporary crown to protect the tooth.
- Fitting: Once the new crown is ready, your dentist will ensure it fits properly and securely before permanently bonding it to your tooth.
How to Prevent Damage to Your Dental Crown
While dental crowns are durable, there are steps you can take to prevent damage and ensure their longevity:
- Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods
Biting down on hard foods like ice, nuts, or hard candies can put stress on your crown and cause it to crack or break. Sticky foods like caramel or chewing gum can also pull on the crown, causing it to loosen over time. Be mindful of the foods you eat, especially if you have a crown on a back tooth that is used for chewing.
- Wear a Mouthguard for Teeth Grinding
If you grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your crowns and natural teeth from damage. Grinding can wear down your crown over time, and in extreme cases, it can cause the crown to crack.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which can weaken the foundation of your crown. Brush and floss regularly, and make sure to clean around the crown and its edges to prevent plaque buildup.
- Regular Dental Checkups
Regular dental visits allow your dentist to check the condition of your crowns and other restorations. If there are any signs of wear or loosening, your dentist can address the issue before it leads to further damage.
What Should You Do if Your Crown Breaks?
If you experience a broken dental crown, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, here are a few steps you can take:
- Save the pieces: If the crown breaks into pieces, try to save the fragments and bring them to your dentist.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side: To prevent further damage to the tooth or the crown, refrain from chewing on the side with the broken crown.
- Use temporary dental cement: If the crown is loose but still intact, you can use over-the-counter temporary dental cement to hold it in place until you can see your dentist.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are designed to provide long-lasting protection for damaged teeth, but they are not immune to wear and tear. If your crown breaks, it can often be repaired, especially for minor damage, but more severe cases will require a full replacement. Taking steps to protect your crown, such as avoiding hard foods and wearing a mouthguard, can help extend its lifespan. If you experience a broken crown, be sure to visit your dentist promptly for assessment and treatment.
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