A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. While crowns are durable, a chipped crown is a relatively common occurrence that can cause discomfort and concern. Damage can range from a purely cosmetic surface chip to a more substantial structural fracture. Understanding the steps for immediate care and professional repair options helps quickly resolve the issue and protect the underlying natural tooth structure.
Immediate Steps and Temporary Relief
The discovery of a chipped crown requires immediate action to ensure comfort and prevent further harm until you can see a dental professional. Begin by gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water, which cleanses the area and reduces potential gum inflammation.
If you are experiencing pain or heightened sensitivity, an over-the-counter pain reliever can provide temporary relief. A chipped crown often leaves a rough or sharp edge that can irritate soft tissues. Cover the jagged surface with dental wax, sugar-free gum, or temporary dental cement found at most pharmacies to protect the oral mucosa from injury.
Contact your dentist immediately to schedule an evaluation, even if the chip appears minor. Prompt attention is necessary because a breach in the crown’s surface can expose the underlying tooth structure to bacteria, risking decay or infection. A chip may also signal a deeper structural weakness that needs professional assessment.
Professional Assessment and Repair Options
Upon visiting the dentist, a thorough assessment will determine the extent of the damage to the crown and the underlying tooth. The dentist uses visual inspection and possibly X-rays to check if the underlying tooth material has been exposed or if the chip has compromised the crown’s structural integrity. The severity of the chip dictates the appropriate treatment, ranging from a simple smoothing procedure to a full crown replacement.
For minor chips affecting only the outermost layer of porcelain or ceramic, the dentist can often perform a simple repair. If the chip is small and does not affect the biting surface, the dentist may polish the rough edge smooth to prevent soft tissue irritation. If the chip is visible but shallow, a procedure called bonding is used, where a tooth-colored composite resin is applied directly to the chipped area.
The composite resin is sculpted to match the crown’s contour, hardened with a specialized light, and polished to blend seamlessly. While bonding is a quick option, it is generally less durable than the original crown material and may require touch-ups.
If the chip is extensive or the underlying tooth has sustained damage, a complete replacement is necessary. This involves removing the damaged cap and taking new impressions for a laboratory to fabricate a new, permanent crown. A temporary crown protects the tooth during the two to three weeks required for fabrication. Once the new crown arrives, it is permanently cemented into place, restoring the tooth’s full function and aesthetic appearance.
Crown Maintenance and Prevention
Once a chipped crown has been repaired or replaced, adopting proactive habits is crucial for maximizing its longevity and preventing future damage. A primary preventive measure is modifying dietary habits to reduce stress on the crown material. Avoid chewing on extremely hard items, such as ice, hard candies, and popcorn kernels, which can exert excessive force and cause fracture. Caution should also be exercised with sticky or chewy foods, as they can potentially loosen the cement holding the crown in place.
Teeth should never be used as tools for tearing open packages, biting fingernails, or holding objects, as these habits introduce unnatural leverage that can easily chip or dislodge a crown. For individuals who grind or clench their teeth (bruxism), a custom-fitted night guard is a highly effective preventive device. The night guard provides a protective barrier to absorb and distribute the immense nocturnal pressure created by bruxism. Maintaining diligent oral hygiene, including brushing twice daily and flossing around the crown margin, is necessary to prevent decay from developing at the crown’s edge.