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A dental crown acts as a “cap” placed over your natural teeth. They offer protection for weak or damaged teeth and can be made of many different materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, composite resin, metal alloys, or other combinations of materials.
Dental crowns are commonly needed after root canals, extractions, or if you have chipped or damaged your natural tooth in some way. These crowns protect your enamel and blend in with your natural teeth. They can last between 10-30 years, depending on the material.
Porcelain crowns are the most prone to chipping and breakage. If your dental crowns are made of porcelain, then they may not last as long as other dental crown materials. The most common causes of dental crown damage include:
If you notice a break or chip in your dental crown, the first thing you should do is call your dentist immediately. Explain how the damage happened, what symptoms you are experiencing, and they will advise you on whether or not you need to come in for an emergency dental visit or the hospital.
Examine your tooth and determine if there are jagged or missing pieces, or if the crown is very loose. If this is present, then you should not delay seeking treatment. This poses a danger to you because you could accidentally swallow the crown, cut your tongue or other parts of your mouth, and experience bleeding.
If you are bleeding, we would advise you to apply gauze to the source of the bleeding. Gargle with salt water to reduce inflammation and pay attention to tooth sensitivity. If your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, be sure to mention this to your dentist, as it can suggest that your tooth’s pulp (the soft inside of your tooth) has been affected.
Whether or not the dental crown can be repaired depends on the extent of the damage. If any portion of the crown has come off, save it and bring it to the dentist with you. Very small cracks in the dental crown could be addressed through some minor filing, smoothing, and polishing.
Dentists can repair damaged crowns with composite resin in certain cases. However, if the damage is too severe or if they are not properly equipped to restore the crown, then a new crown may need to be installed.
You must look into highly qualified and reputable dentists when it comes to dental crown repair and restoration. This is a more complicated procedure that requires specific tools that not all dental practices are equipped with.
In the worst-case scenario, a crown may not be salvageable at all, whether it be restoration or replacement. In this case, you may need a tooth extraction or a dental implant.
If you’re wondering if you’re a good candidate for dental crowns or need a crown repair, schedule an appointment with us at Pineville Family Dentistry.
Dr. Troy Babb will perform an oral exam during your consultation and let you know if dental crowns are right for you or if there’s anything we can do to salvage your dental crowns. Contact us online or call us at (318) 704-5757 to make your appointment.
