Can a Dental Crown Break?

A dental crown may last a lifetime. But sometimes, even a good-quality crown can break. If your dental crown broke, it is important to find out what happened in order to avoid future problems. Read on to find out why dental crowns break.

Dental crown

A dental crown is a restoration that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, strength, size, and appearance. There are several different types of crowns available. These include porcelain-fused to metal dental crowns, ceramic dental crowns, base metal alloy dental crowns, and gold alloy dental crowns. Crowns constructed of gold alloys usually contain a combination of gold, copper, and various other metals. These crowns are generally strong and do not break, which makes them a long-lasting restoration. However, all-porcelain crowns are usually more susceptible to chipping or breaking because of their fragility.

Why do dental crowns break?

Just like natural teeth, crowns can break. This can occur because of an injury to the face, grinding teeth, or biting down on something hard. People must protect dental crowns to avoid damaging them. Getting hit in the face is not always avoidable. But people should not use teeth as tools to avoid complications.

It is advisable not to use the teeth to uncork bottles or open snack bags. Grinding teeth, especially at night, can wear down the surface of a crown and jeopardize its stability. For people who clench and grind their teeth, a dentist may recommend wearing a mouthguard at night. This usually helps to protect a crown.

It is also vital to practice good oral hygiene to ensure a dental crown lasts longer. This involves brushing the teeth two times a day and flossing at least once a day. It is crucial to visit the dental office for cleanings at least twice a year or as recommended. With proper care, regular checkups, and good dental hygiene habits, dental crowns are highly likely to last for many years.

Dental crown repair

When a dental crown breaks, chips, or cracks, a person should call the dentist for advice. Based on the patient’s description of the incident, the dental provider will determine when the individual needs to visit the dental office. People usually do not need to see the dentist right away after a dental crown is damaged. But sometimes, it is necessary to visit the dentist much sooner. This is usually recommended when the damaged portion is jagged and causing soreness in the mouth. Sometimes, a crown can be fixed, but it may need to be replaced if it has suffered a major fracture.

Avoiding future problems

Although dental crowns are usually strong, they can sometimes break. If your dental crown broke, it is advisable to find out what caused the problem. It will help you to avoid damaging your crown again. If it broke after you bit something hard, you might already know what caused the problem. But it would help if you still talk to your dentist about what you should change. This is important because you will highly likely eat something similar in the future.

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