Have you ever felt the shock of a broken crown tooth? Don’t worry, there are many ways to fix it, and some you can do at home. But what makes crowns break, and how can you fix them? Understanding why crowns break is key to getting your smile back and keeping your mouth healthy.
Key Takeaways
- Broken crown teeth can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical trauma, teeth grinding, and normal wear and tear over time.
- Symptoms of a broken crown tooth may include visible cracks or chips, pain or sensitivity, and gaps between the crown and the underlying tooth.
- Immediate steps to take include contacting your dentist, avoiding use of the affected tooth, and reducing any swelling or discomfort.
- Treatment options range from dental bonding and replacement crowns to dental onlays, re-cementing the crown, and even dental implants in more severe cases.
- Proper dental hygiene and regular check-ups can help prevent broken crown teeth and extend the life of your restorations.
Understanding Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a common way to fix damaged or weakened teeth. They look like a tooth and cover the whole visible part of a tooth. This makes the tooth look, feel, and work like new again. Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, gold, metal, or resin.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a special kind of tooth cover. It’s cemented onto a tooth to protect and improve its look, strength, and function. Dentists recommend crowns for teeth that are badly damaged, decayed, or don’t look good.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are many kinds of dental crowns, each with its own benefits and downsides:
- Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns: These look very natural because they’re similar to real teeth. They’re a top choice for teeth that show when you smile.
- Metal Crowns: These are made from gold or metal alloys and are very strong. They’re often used for back teeth that do a lot of work.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: These mix metal strength with porcelain’s good looks. They offer a good mix of function and beauty.
- Resin Crowns: These are the least expensive but not as durable. They might need to be replaced more often than other types.
Choosing a crown material depends on where the tooth is, your budget, and what you prefer. Your dentist can help pick the best crown for you.
Causes of a Broken Crown Tooth
Dental crowns are made to last a long time but can still get damaged. There are many reasons why a crown might break. Knowing these can help you protect your dental work.
One big reason crowns break is biting down on hard foods or objects. This can cause cracks or chips in the crown. Grinding your teeth and clenching can also put a lot of pressure on the crowns, making them wear out.
Getting hit in the mouth or falling can also break a crown. The force can make the crown crack or fall off the tooth. Gum disease and tooth decay near the crown can also weaken the tooth, making the crown more likely to break.
If the crown doesn’t fit right, it can break. This can happen if it was placed wrong at first or if the tooth changes shape over time. Over time, the crown can wear down, leading to cracks or chips.
- Biting down on hard foods or objects
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching habits
- Trauma to the mouth, such as a blow to the face or a fall
- Gum disease and tooth decay around the crown
- Improper fitting of the crown
- Natural wear and tear on the crown material
Looking after your dental crowns well can stop them from breaking. Going to the dentist regularly can catch problems early. This can help keep your crowns working well for a long time.
Signs of a Broken Crown Tooth
Knowing the signs of a broken crown tooth is key to getting quick dental help. Damage can be minor, like small cracks, or major, like the crown breaking. It’s important to spot these signs early to get the right treatment.
Visible Cracks or Chips
Visible cracks or chips in your crown are a clear sign of damage. These can happen from biting too hard or grinding your teeth. Even a tiny crack can be a big problem if not fixed right away.
Pain or Sensitivity
Pain or sensitivity around a crowned tooth means it might be broken. This pain can happen when you eat, brush, or even just go about your day. It means the tooth might be exposed or the crown isn’t protecting it well.
Gaps Between Crown and Tooth
The material that holds the crown in place can wear out over time. This can cause the crown to shift or leave gaps. These gaps can let bacteria in, leading to decay or infection. Seeing these gaps means your crown needs to be checked and fixed.
Spotting signs like cracks, pain, or gaps in your crown tooth is important. Getting help quickly can stop more damage and keep your teeth healthy and working right.
Immediate Steps for a Broken Crown Tooth
If you have a broken dental crown, the first step is to call your dentist right away. They will check how bad the damage is and figure out what to do next.
Contact Your Dentist
When a dental crown breaks, you should contact your dentist quickly. They will tell you what to do and set up a time to fix the problem. Waiting too long can cause more issues, like tooth sensitivity, pain, or infection.
Stop Using the Tooth
Don’t use the tooth with the broken crown until you see your dentist. Avoid chewing on it or putting pressure there. This helps prevent more damage to the tooth and around it.
Reduce Swelling and Discomfort
If the broken crown makes your mouth swell or hurts, there are things you can do. Use a cold pack on the area to lessen swelling. You can also take pain relievers from the drugstore to ease the pain.
By taking these steps quickly, you can protect your mouth and make fixing your broken crown tooth easier. Remember, acting fast and seeing your dentist right away is key.
Treatment Options for a Broken Crown Tooth
If you have a broken crown tooth, your dentist has several options to fix it. The best choice depends on how broken it is and the tooth’s condition.
Dental Bonding
For a crown with a small crack, dental bonding might work. Your dentist uses a tooth-colored resin to fill in the crack. This makes the tooth look and work like new.
Replacement Crown
If the crown is badly damaged, you’ll need a new one. This is often the choice for big breaks or cracks.
Dental Onlay
A dental onlay could be used for moderate damage. It’s like a partial crown that covers part of the tooth. This saves more of your natural tooth.
Re-cementing the Crown
If the crown is still mostly in one piece, your dentist can put it back. This is a fast and less expensive fix for a crown that’s just come loose.
Dental Implant
For very bad damage, where the tooth can’t hold a new crown, it might need to be removed. Then, a dental implant can replace it.
It’s crucial to see your dentist quickly if your crown breaks. Early treatment can stop more problems and keep your smile healthy.
Preventing a Broken Crown Tooth
Keeping your dental crowns healthy is key to a great smile. With the right care and attention, you can avoid the hassle of a broken crown. By avoiding hard foods and keeping up with good oral hygiene, you can keep your crowns safe.
Avoid Hard Foods
Hard or crunchy foods often lead to broken dental crowns. Stay away from nuts, hard candies, ice, and some raw veggies. They can put too much pressure on your crowns, causing them to crack or chip. Choose softer foods instead.
Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Hard-bristled toothbrushes can wear down your dental crowns, making them more likely to break. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently. This way, you can clean your teeth without damaging your crowns.
See Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental visits are key for keeping your crowns in top shape. Your dentist can check for wear or damage and suggest treatments or preventive actions. This helps keep your smile looking great.
Protect Your Teeth at Night
Grinding your teeth at night, or bruxism, can harm your dental crowns over time. Your dentist might recommend a nightguard to protect your crowns from grinding damage.
By following these tips, you can avoid the trouble and cost of a broken crown. Taking care of your dental crowns is a smart move for your oral health and a beautiful smile.
Cost of Repairing a Broken Crown Tooth
Fixing a broken crown tooth can cost a lot, depending on the damage and treatment needed. On average, it can cost from $500 to $1,500.
If the crown damage is minor, dental bonding might be the best choice. This can cost $500 or less. But if you need a new crown, the price can go up to $3,500. This depends on the crown type and the procedure’s complexity.
| Treatment Option | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Dental Bonding | $500 or less |
| Crown Replacement | $1,000 to $3,500 |
| Dental Onlay | $800 to $1,500 |
| Re-cementing the Crown | $150 to $300 |
| Dental Implant | $3,000 to $6,000 |
The cost can also depend on the crown type, the dentist’s skills, and your dental insurance. Some insurance may cover part of the cost for fixing or replacing a crown. This can make the cost easier to manage.
If you have a broken crown tooth, talk to your dentist about your options and costs. They can give you a detailed estimate and help you choose the best treatment for your needs and budget.
Conclusion
A broken dental crown can be frustrating and unexpected. But, there are many ways to fix it and make your smile shine again. Start by calling your dentist right away, protect the tooth, and look into repair options. This way, you can fix your crown and enjoy your teeth’s full function and natural look.
Don’t ignore a broken crown tooth because it can cause more harm. It might lead to bigger dental problems. Taking quick action is key to avoid more issues and keep your smile healthy. Your dentist can fix, re-cement, or replace your crown to solve the problem and protect your oral health.
Being proactive with your dental crowns and keeping up with good oral hygiene helps prevent breaks. This way, you can keep your smile strong, functional, and looking great. Remember, a broken crown is just the start of fixing it. It leads to a solution that boosts your confidence and comfort.
FAQ
What are the causes of a broken dental crown?
Dental crowns can break from many things like a face blow, a fall, or grinding your teeth. They can also break from biting something hard or just from normal wear. Most crowns last 10 to 15 years before needing a replacement.
What are the signs of a broken dental crown?
Look out for cracks or chips, pain, or sensitivity. Also, notice gaps between the crown and your tooth.
What should I do if my dental crown is broken?
Call your dentist right away if your crown breaks. Don’t use the tooth and avoid chewing on it. Use a cold compress and take pain relievers to ease swelling and pain.
What are the treatment options for a broken dental crown?
Your dentist might suggest dental bonding, replacing the crown, dental onlay, re-cementing it, or a dental implant, depending on the damage.
How can I prevent my dental crown from breaking?
To prevent your crown from breaking, eat soft foods, use a soft toothbrush, and visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
How much does it cost to repair a broken dental crown?
Repairing a broken crown costs vary based on the damage and treatment needed. Your dentist will give you a detailed cost estimate.
