A dental crown is an artificial cap that fits over the damaged tooth, making it stronger and improving its appearance. The custom restoration can change the shape of the natural tooth. Dental crowns help repair broken teeth and teeth damaged by decay or large fillings.

Crown treatment can help enhance your smile and improve your oral health. Crowns are usually durable and reliable, but sometimes they can fracture or break. It is helpful to find out what causes dental crowns to break.

Dental Crown Material

The material used to create the crown will determine its durability. The different crown materials include porcelain, ceramic, and metal. Translucent porcelain is the most popular option owing to its natural-looking appearance.

Choosing a material that can withstand the pressures of chewing or biting is necessary. Fusing porcelain and metal can help create crowns that can withstand substantial oral pressure.

Damaged Dental Crowns

Dental restorations are made to last long, but they do not last forever. Usually, crowns can last 15 to 20 years with proper care. However, some need replacement after five to 10 years. Oral hygiene habits can compromise the restoration, causing further issues.

The most common causes of damaged crowns are injuries, decay, malocclusion, teeth grinding, and poor dental habits. Regular dental visits will allow the dentist to look for signs of fractures or breaks.

Symptoms of Damaged Dental Crowns

Some signs can indicate you have a broken crown. They include a visible crack, hole, chip, abnormality when brushing or flossing, increased gum sensitivity, and pressure near the crown.

Other signs are sudden teeth misalignment and a rough texture on the side of the tooth or the chewing surface. Sometimes, the tooth protected by the crown may develop a toothache. If you notice any symptoms, visit the dentist as soon as possible.

When Dental Crowns Break

Dentists inspect the crowns regularly to look for signs of damage. Even with proper care, the restorations experience wear and tear, leading to cracks. Biting down on hard substances can lead to breakage.

Habits like biting the nails, chewing ice, or using the teeth to open bottle caps can break the crown. The pressure can cause damage to the crown or the natural teeth. Minor fractures and chips can be bonded, but a broken crown will need to be replaced.

Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene can help prolong the life of your dental restoration. It can help prevent oral health issues like decay that compromise the crowns. The remaining part of the tooth is still susceptible to decay or infection.

Most patients do not realize they have had a damaged crown for a long time. Getting regular dental checkups and cleanings will allow the assessment of your restoration. How long the crown lasts will depend on how well you care for it.

It is vital to ensure that the dental crown remains intact. A broken crown needs to be removed and a new restoration installed. The condition of the crown can affect the underlying tooth. The dentist will help treat the underlying issue that caused the damage. Patients who grind or clench their teeth can get night guards to protect the crowns.

For more on what causes dental crowns to break or to schedule a visit, call Riverview Dental at 989.743.4851 to reach our office in Corunna, Michigan.