What to Do If Your Dental Crown Breaks: A Comprehensive Guide
Dental crowns are essential for restoring damaged teeth, but even the strongest crowns can break. When this happens, it’s critical to act quickly and effectively. A broken crown not only compromises your tooth’s protection but can also lead to more severe issues, such as a dental abscess, root canal treatment, or even dental trauma if left unaddressed. In some cases, a tooth extraction may be necessary if the damage extends to the underlying tooth. This guide provides everything you need to know about dealing with a broken crown, including treatment options like crown or filling repair and preventive measures to reduce future risks.
Understanding Broken Crowns
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are typically made of materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal and are designed to withstand the daily wear and tear of eating and speaking.
Why Do Crowns Break?
Despite being durable, crowns are not indestructible. Understanding the common causes of crown damage can help you take preventive measures:
- Chewing Hard or Sticky Foods: Biting down on hard items like ice, nuts, or boiled lollies can create excessive pressure on the crown, leading to cracks or chips. Sticky foods like caramel or toffee can pull on the crown, loosening it over time.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Chronic grinding or clenching during sleep or stress puts immense pressure on the crown, gradually weakening its structure. Over time, this can lead to fractures or dislodgement.
- Accidents and Trauma: Unexpected impacts from falls, sports injuries, or other accidents can cause sudden damage to a crown. Wearing protective gear, such as a mouthguard, during physical activities can reduce this risk.
- Poor Fit or Age of the Crown: Crowns that have been in place for many years may naturally weaken or no longer fit properly, increasing their susceptibility to damage.
- Underlying Tooth Decay: Decay beneath the crown can weaken the tooth structure, reducing the stability of the crown and making it prone to breakage.
Symptoms of a Broken Crown
- Visible Damage: Look for cracks, chips, or completely missing fragments in the crown. Even small cracks can weaken the structure and require attention.
- Discomfort: Pain or discomfort when biting or chewing is a common symptom. Sharp edges from a broken crown can irritate or cut your tongue and inner cheek.
- Sensitivity to Temperature: Exposed areas of the underlying tooth can cause increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages.
- Change in Fit: A crown that feels loose, wobbly, or unstable when touched indicates that it may have dislodged or lost adhesion.
- Swelling or Inflammation: The gums around the damaged crown may become inflamed or swollen, signalling potential irritation or infection.
- Bad Taste or Odour: A damaged crown may trap food particles, leading to bacteria buildup and an unpleasant taste or smell in the mouth.
Immediate Steps to Take
If your crown breaks, follow these steps to protect your tooth and prevent further issues:
- Stop Using the Affected Tooth: Avoid chewing on the side with the damaged crown to prevent worsening the situation.
- Rinse Your Mouth: Clean the area with warm salt water to reduce the risk of infection and soothe any irritation.
- Cover Sharp Edges: Use dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover sharp edges and protect your tongue and cheeks from cuts.
- Preserve the Crown: If the crown has completely dislodged, store it in a clean container and bring it to your dentist.
- Contact an Emergency Dentist: Don’t delay seeking professional care. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of complications like infections or additional damage.
Treatment Options and Process for a Broken Crown
Once you visit your dentist, they will evaluate the severity of the damage and recommend an appropriate treatment option. Here is an overview of the process involved:
Treatment Options
- Temporary Solutions: If immediate permanent repairs aren’t possible, a temporary crown or filling can protect the tooth until a long-term solution is in place.
- Repairing the Crown: Minor chips or cracks may be repaired using dental bonding materials to restore the crown’s function and appearance.
- Replacing the Crown: Severely damaged crowns often need to be replaced entirely. A new crown will be fabricated to fit the tooth precisely and restore its function.
- Treating Underlying Issues: In cases where the underlying tooth has sustained damage, treatments like root canals, fillings, or even structural reinforcement may be required before the crown can be repaired or replaced.
Treatment Process
- Initial Examination: The dentist will evaluate the damaged crown and surrounding tooth using visual inspection and diagnostic tools like X-rays to determine the extent of the damage and identify any underlying issues such as decay or infection.
- Cleaning and Preparation: The affected area is thoroughly cleaned to remove any debris, decay, or damaged material. This step is essential to ensure a proper foundation for the repair or replacement.
- Temporary Measures: In cases where immediate treatment is not possible, a temporary crown or filling may be placed to protect the tooth from further damage or sensitivity. This allows the patient to function normally until permanent solutions are implemented.
- Repairing or Replacing the Crown: Depending on the damage:
- For Minor Chips or Cracks: Dental bonding materials may be applied to restore the crown’s integrity and appearance.
- For Severe Damage: Impressions of the tooth will be taken to fabricate a new custom crown. This involves creating a mould and selecting appropriate materials such as porcelain or metal.
- Fitting and Adjustment: Once the new crown is ready, the dentist ensures it fits perfectly and aligns well with the patient’s bite. Adjustments may be made to enhance comfort and functionality before the crown is permanently cemented in place.
- Treatment of Underlying Issues: If necessary, additional procedures such as root canal therapy or structural reinforcements may be performed to address any damage to the tooth beneath the crown.
- Post-Treatment Instructions: The dentist provides detailed guidance on oral care, dietary restrictions, and follow-up appointments to ensure long-term success and stability of the crown repair or replacement.
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Costs and Insurance Coverage
Costs of Treatment
The cost of repairing or replacing a crown depends on the type of damage, the materials used, and additional procedures required:
- Minor Repairs: Typically range from AUD 150 to AUD 400. These involve straightforward fixes like dental bonding or minor adjustments.
- Temporary Crowns: Cost around AUD 200 to AUD 500. Temporary solutions are used while awaiting a permanent crown.
- Replacing a Crown: Costs can range from AUD 1,000 to AUD 2,500. Factors influencing the cost include the material (e.g., porcelain, zirconia, or metal) and the complexity of the procedure.
- Underlying Treatments: If additional treatments like root canals or structural reinforcements are required, costs can increase significantly, ranging from AUD 500 to AUD 1,500 per procedure.
Insurance Coverage
Most private health insurance plans in Australia provide partial coverage for dental crown repairs and replacements under major dental services. Here are key considerations:
- Check Your Policy: Review your health insurance plan to understand the annual limits, coverage percentages, and waiting periods for major dental work.
- Pre-Authorisation Requirements: Some insurers require pre-approval for crown replacements or extensive dental procedures. Ensure all necessary documentation is submitted.
- Gap Payments: Out-of-pocket expenses, or gaps, may vary depending on your coverage. Discuss with your dentist to receive an estimate of the costs and gaps involved.
- Use Health Fund Benefits Wisely: Consider timing your procedures around your annual health fund limits to maximise coverage. Some funds reset benefits at the start of the calendar or financial year.
Financing Options
If the cost exceeds your budget, many dental clinics offer payment plans or financing options to help spread the expenses over time. Additionally, some treatments may qualify for tax deductions if related to medical expenses—check with your accountant for eligibility.
By understanding potential costs and leveraging insurance benefits, you can make informed decisions about your dental care without undue financial stress.
Recovery Time and Post-Treatment Care
- Minor Repairs: Recovery is typically immediate, allowing patients to resume normal activities on the same day.
- Replacing a Crown: Some mild discomfort or sensitivity to hot and cold may last for a few days as the tooth adjusts to the new crown.
- Underlying Treatments: Procedures such as root canals or structural reinforcements may require one to two weeks of recovery, with swelling or tenderness gradually subsiding during this time.
Post-Treatment Care
- Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and floss regularly to prevent plaque buildup. Use floss threaders or water flossers to clean effectively around and under the crown.
- Adopt a Gentle Diet: Avoid consuming hard, crunchy, or sticky foods during the recovery period, as they can stress the new or repaired crown. Opt for soft foods and gradually reintroduce tougher items.
- Manage Sensitivity: Use toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth if you experience discomfort. Avoid extremely hot or cold beverages until sensitivity diminishes.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help rinse away food particles and bacteria, supporting oral health during recovery.
- Monitor for Complications: Watch for signs of persistent pain, swelling, or discomfort, and contact your dentist if any issues arise.
- Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups allow your dentist to evaluate the crown’s fit and function, ensuring it remains secure and effective over time.
Preventive Measures
Preventing crown damage is easier and less stressful than managing a broken one. Follow these tips:
- Watch Your Diet: Avoid biting down on hard foods like nuts and lollies. Stay away from sticky substances that might pull on the crown.
- Protect Against Grinding: If you grind your teeth, invest in a custom nightguard to minimise wear and tear.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Routine visits can identify potential crown issues early.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing help keep crowned teeth healthy.
What Happens If a Broken Crown is Left Untreated?
Leaving a broken crown untreated can result in severe consequences:
- Tooth Decay: Exposed tooth material is vulnerable to decay.
- Infections: Bacteria can infiltrate the damaged area, leading to abscesses.
- Structural Damage: The underlying tooth may crack further or deteriorate.
- Pain and Discomfort: Sharp edges or exposed nerves can cause significant discomfort.
- Costlier Treatments: Delaying care may lead to more extensive and expensive procedures, such as extractions or implants.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are a valuable part of oral health care, but they require maintenance and care. If your crown breaks, knowing how to respond quickly can save you from further complications. Follow the steps outlined in this guide, and remember the importance of preventive care to reduce the likelihood of emergencies.
If you’ve experienced a broken crown, don’t wait to seek help. Contact the National Emergency Dentist team today for expert care!
Sources
- Australian Dental Association. “Dental Crowns Overview.” ADA Website. Accessed December 2024.
- Research on Bruxism and Dental Wear: “The Impact of Chronic Teeth Grinding on Crown Longevity” (Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 2020)
- Emergency Dental Care Procedures: “Managing Dental Emergencies” (International Dental Research, 2021)
