What Should You Do If Your Dental Crown Becomes Damaged?

A dental crown is designed to protect a weakened or damaged tooth, but crowns can still become chipped, cracked, loose, or damaged over time. If this happens, it is important not to ignore the problem. Continuing to chew on a damaged crown may put additional stress on the crown or the tooth underneath it.

If your crown has become damaged, a dentist in Grande Prairie can examine the restoration and the underlying tooth to determine what needs to be done. Depending on the type and extent of damage, the crown may be repaired, re-cemented, replaced, or removed so the tooth can receive additional treatment.

What Should You Do When a Crown Breaks?

The first step is to protect the affected tooth and arrange a dental assessment. Try not to chew on that side of your mouth until the crown has been checked.

If the crown has completely come off, keep it in a clean container and bring it with you to your dental appointment. Do not attempt to permanently glue it back yourself, as household adhesives can damage the tooth and make professional treatment more difficult.

If you are experiencing severe pain, swelling, or other concerning symptoms, contact a dental office promptly.

How Can a Dental Crown Become Damaged?

Crowns are made to withstand normal chewing, but they are not indestructible. Several factors can contribute to crown damage.

• Biting hard foods or objects
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• An injury to the mouth
• Normal wear over many years
• Changes in the tooth underneath the crown
• Decay around the edges of the restoration
• A weakened or fractured supporting tooth

In some situations, a crown may appear fine from the outside while the tooth underneath has developed a problem. This is why professional assessment is important when you notice changes.

What Are the Signs of a Damaged Crown?

A damaged crown does not always cause immediate pain. However, certain changes may indicate that the restoration needs attention.

Common Warning Signs

• A visible crack or chip
• A loose or moving crown
• Sharp edges that irritate your tongue or cheek
• Pain when biting or chewing
• New sensitivity to hot or cold
• A change in the way your teeth come together
• An unpleasant taste or smell around the crown
• The crown has completely fallen out

Even if the crown is not painful, a loose or damaged restoration should be checked. Delaying an examination may allow the underlying tooth to become more vulnerable.

Can a Damaged Crown Be Repaired?

Sometimes a minor crown problem can be managed without replacing the entire restoration. The appropriate solution depends on the material, location, and extent of the damage.

A small cosmetic chip may sometimes be repaired, while a significant fracture may require a new crown. If the crown has simply become loose and remains intact, the dentist may be able to assess whether it can be securely re-cemented.

However, there is no single repair method that works for every damaged crown. The restoration and the tooth underneath it both need to be examined.

What If the Crown Falls Out Completely?

A crown that has fallen out can leave the underlying tooth exposed. This may make the tooth more sensitive and vulnerable to further damage.

Keep the crown safe and avoid chewing with the affected tooth. Do not use household glue or other products to attach the crown yourself.

In some cases, the dentist may be able to place the original crown back onto the tooth. In other situations, the crown may no longer fit properly or may be damaged beyond repair.

What Happens at the Dental Appointment?

Your dentist will first examine the crown and the tooth beneath it. They may also take dental X-rays if there is concern about decay, infection, a fracture, or changes around the tooth.

The Dentist Checks the Crown

The crown will be inspected for cracks, chips, wear, looseness, and changes in its fit. Your dentist may also check how the crown contacts the neighbouring teeth.

The Underlying Tooth Is Assessed

The condition of the natural tooth underneath the crown is equally important. Decay, cracks, infection, or other damage may affect the recommended treatment.

A Treatment Option Is Selected

Depending on the findings, treatment may involve repairing the crown, re-cementing it, adjusting the restoration, replacing it, or treating the underlying tooth before a new restoration is placed.

Can You Eat With a Damaged Crown?

It is generally best to avoid chewing on a damaged or loose crown until it has been evaluated. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can put additional pressure on the restoration.

If you need to eat before your appointment, choose softer foods and use the opposite side of your mouth when possible. This is only a temporary precaution and does not replace professional treatment.

What If the Tooth Under the Crown Is Damaged?

Sometimes the crown is not the only problem. The natural tooth underneath may have developed decay, a fracture, or an infection.

If the inner part of the tooth has become infected, root canal treatment may be necessary before another crown can be placed. If the tooth has suffered extensive damage and cannot be restored, removal may sometimes be considered.

The condition of the underlying tooth is therefore an important part of deciding what happens next.

How Can You Protect Your Crown?

Good oral care and sensible habits can help reduce the risk of crown damage and protect the natural tooth underneath it.

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between your teeth every day.
• Avoid chewing ice or very hard objects.
• Do not use your teeth to open packages.
• Tell your dentist if you grind or clench your teeth.
• Use a recommended nightguard if appropriate.
• Attend regular dental examinations.

Regular dental visits can also help identify worn or damaged restorations before they develop into more significant problems.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns can last for many years, but their lifespan varies. Factors such as oral hygiene, bite pressure, grinding, diet, the condition of the supporting tooth, and the quality of the restoration can all influence longevity.

A crown does not make the underlying tooth immune to decay or other dental problems. The tooth and surrounding gums still need regular care.

If you are looking for dental crowns in Grande Prairie, a dental examination can help determine whether a new crown is appropriate or whether another treatment would better address your situation.

When Should You See a Dentist?

It is best to arrange an appointment when you notice that a crown is cracked, chipped, loose, painful, or missing. A dentist near you can assess the restoration and determine whether immediate treatment is needed.

Seek urgent dental attention if a damaged crown is accompanied by significant swelling, severe pain, fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Conclusion

A damaged dental crown should not be ignored, even when it is not causing pain. Prompt assessment can help determine whether the crown can be repaired, reattached, or needs to be replaced, while also checking the health of the tooth underneath. If you are looking for dental crowns near you, Dental Care Centre can evaluate your restoration and explain your treatment options. Request an appointment to have your crown assessed and receive advice based on your individual dental needs.