A dental crown functions as a cap placed over a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. While crowns are designed to be durable, they are not immune to damage and can sometimes crack. This article describes what a cracked crown might feel like and the actions you can take.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Cracked Crown
A cracked dental crown can manifest through a variety of sensations and visible changes. One common symptom is pain, which can present in several ways. You might experience a sharp, sudden pain when biting down, particularly when releasing bite pressure, or a persistent dull ache. This pain can stem from the crack allowing pressure to reach the inner layers of the tooth.
Sensitivity to temperature is another frequent indicator of a cracked crown. You may notice heightened discomfort when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks. This sensitivity occurs because the crack can expose the underlying tooth structure, allowing thermal changes to affect the tooth’s nerves. Sweet foods or drinks might also trigger sensitivity.
Visible signs can sometimes confirm a cracked crown. You might be able to see a fine line or a more significant fracture on the crown’s surface. A piece of the crown might be missing, or it could feel loose or wobbly. Running your tongue over the affected area might reveal rough or jagged edges.
Changes in your bite can also signal an issue with the crown. An improperly fitted or cracked crown may alter how your teeth come together, leading to an uneven bite or discomfort when chewing. Localized swelling or tenderness around the gum line of the crowned tooth can also occur. In some cases, a persistent bad taste or odor originating from the crowned area might indicate bacteria seeping beneath the crown due to a crack or poor fit.
Common Causes of Crown Damage
Dental crowns are robust, but certain factors can lead to their damage or cracking over time. Physical trauma or accidental injury to the mouth can cause a crown to crack or chip. This can result from impacts during sports, falls, or other accidents.
Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, is a significant contributor to crown damage. The excessive pressure exerted during clenching or grinding, often occurring unconsciously during sleep, can lead to cracks, chips, or even structural failure of the crown material.
Biting down on hard objects is another common cause. Chewing on ice, hard candies, popcorn kernels, or non-food items like pens can exert enough force to crack a crown.
Over time, general wear and tear from daily chewing and biting can weaken the crown material. This natural aging process can lead to the development of small cracks that may gradually worsen. An underlying issue with the natural tooth beneath the crown, such as decay or a pre-existing crack, can also contribute to the crown’s damage.
Immediate Actions for a Suspected Cracked Crown
If you suspect your dental crown has cracked, taking immediate action can help prevent further damage and manage discomfort. Contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an examination, informing them of your symptoms to help prioritize your appointment.
While waiting for your dental appointment, avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the affected crown. This can help prevent additional pressure on the cracked crown, which might worsen the damage or increase pain. Opt for softer foods and chew on the opposite side to minimize strain.
For temporary pain relief, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be effective. If the crown feels loose or has sharp edges, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the area clean and reduce irritation. Do not attempt to glue the crown back on yourself, as household adhesives are not safe for oral use.
Maintaining good oral hygiene around the cracked crown is important, but do so gently. Continue to brush and floss carefully around the affected area to prevent plaque buildup and potential infection.
Dental Solutions for a Cracked Crown
A dentist will assess the damage to your crown and underlying tooth, typically through visual inspection and X-rays. Treatment depends on the crack’s severity and location.
For minor chips or small cracks in the crown, a dentist might be able to perform a repair using dental bonding, which involves applying a tooth-colored resin material. The crown can sometimes be smoothed and reshaped if the damage is superficial. However, if the crack is significant or compromises the crown’s structural integrity, replacement is typically necessary.
If the underlying tooth structure is also damaged, especially if the crack extends into the pulp, a root canal might be required before a new crown can be placed. In severe cases where the tooth is extensively damaged and cannot be saved, extraction might be the only viable option. Your dentist may also discuss preventative measures, such as wearing a night guard if bruxism is a contributing factor, to protect your new crown and natural teeth from future damage.