What to do About a Cracked or Missing Crown

Dental crowns are tooth-colored caps that cover and protect damaged and broken teeth. And although crowns are made of durable materials meant to last a long time, they're not indestructible and can break. In addition, crowns don't last forever and must be replaced after about ten years to prevent further tooth damage.  

At Preva Dental in San Antonio, Texas, Prathima Rasamsetty, DDS, leads our team in offering restorative dentistry services, which include custom crowns that restore the beauty and function of your smile. 

Sometimes, it's obvious when a crown needs to be replaced, but other signs might be more subtle. But as soon as you notice your crown is missing or minorly damaged, you must see us as quickly as possible. These are some tips for relief and prevention while waiting for your appointment. 

What can break a crown?

Dental crowns are typically made of porcelain or ceramic for optimal durability and a natural appearance. Crowns can last for up to 15 years, but these habits or incidents can cut that timeline short:

• Teeth grinding
• Eating sticky or hard foods
• Accidents related to sports
• Injuries to the mouth
• Time-related wear and tear

Sometimes, you might not know what caused your crown to break. However, avoiding habits such as chewing hard candies or popcorn kernels is always best.

Caring for your broken crown

A broken crown can cause discomfort, but you can take some self-care steps to relieve it. Taking some precautionary measures can also prevent oral health complications from developing. 

Start by looking in the mirror at the broken crown and checking for sharpness or other issues using your tongue. Next, determine if you're experiencing any discomfort and use over-the-counter painkillers if you can't speak, chew, breathe, or touch the affected tooth without pain.

When you notice a broken crown, call our office to schedule an emergency appointment. In the meantime, use denture adhesive to hold everything in place.

Why caring for a broken crown is so important

If you don't fix a broken crown, it puts you at risk for serious oral health complications. When the crown no longer protects your tooth, you expose it to things like decay or bacteria that could enter and cause an infection or abscess.

While over-the-counter painkillers can control some mild discomfort, they don't work to relieve severe tooth sensitivity caused by a broken crown. The pain can even make it difficult to chew or drink enough water. Restoring the broken crown is the only way to address those symptoms effectively.

Have a cracked crown? Call or use our convenient online booking feature to schedule an emergency visit with our team.