A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth, designed to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are made from durable materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal, but they can crack or fracture due to normal wear or trauma. Understanding the specific sensations that signal a cracked crown allows for prompt treatment, which is necessary to protect the underlying tooth structure from decay or infection.
The Distinct Sensations of a Cracked Crown
The pain associated with a cracked crown often manifests in a unique pattern that differs from a normal toothache. A classic indicator is a sharp, brief jolt of pain that occurs when releasing biting pressure, known as “rebound pain.” This happens because the cracked pieces separate slightly under pressure, irritating the tooth’s inner pulp, and then snap back together when the pressure is removed, causing the sudden discomfort.
A cracked crown frequently causes an acute, localized increase in temperature sensitivity. You may notice quick, intense discomfort, especially when consuming cold liquids or foods, that tends to linger for a few seconds after the stimulus is removed. This lingering sensitivity occurs because the crack creates a pathway for temperature changes to reach the exposed dentin, which contains microscopic tubules that transmit sensations directly to the nerve.
Many people first discover a crack through tactile sensations, often by running their tongue over the affected area. The cracked edge can create a jagged or rough surface that feels sharp against the soft tissues of the tongue or cheek. This sharp edge can also irritate the surrounding gum tissue, leading to inflammation, redness, or tenderness around the base of the crowned tooth.
The discomfort from a crack is often intermittent, making the issue difficult to pinpoint initially. Pain may come and go, triggered only when chewing at a specific angle or on certain foods, unlike the constant ache associated with a deep cavity or infection. A cracked crown can also cause a change in how the upper and lower teeth meet, making the bite feel uneven.
Factors Contributing to Crown Failure
Dental crowns are subject to stress from daily chewing, and certain habits or conditions increase the risk of fracture. Bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding and clenching, places excessive pressure on the crown, which can lead to stress fractures or hairline cracks over time. This constant force weakens the crown material and the underlying tooth structure, making it susceptible to failure.
Traumatic incidents can lead to immediate crown failure, such as an accidental impact to the mouth during sports or biting down hard on a foreign object like a piece of ice or unpopped popcorn kernel. The material composition of the crown influences its durability; all-porcelain or ceramic crowns are generally more aesthetic but are also more brittle and prone to cracking than metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
The age of the restoration plays a role, as crowns experience wear and tear over many years, compromising their structural integrity. Cracks may originate in the natural tooth structure underneath, especially where existing large fillings or decay have weakened the foundation. A poor fit or a loosened cement bond can also create gaps where bacteria and biting forces concentrate, increasing the likelihood of a crack.
Urgent Actions to Take When Symptoms Appear
If you experience sensations suggesting a cracked crown, contact your dental office immediately to schedule an emergency assessment. Clearly describe the specific nature of your symptoms, such as rebound pain or lingering sensitivity, to help the office triage your situation. Prompt professional attention is necessary because a crack exposes the vulnerable underlying tooth to bacteria, which can lead to decay.
To prevent further irritation to your soft tissues, temporarily cover any sharp edges with dental wax or a piece of sugar-free chewing gum molded over the jagged area. You should also avoid chewing or applying pressure to the affected side of the mouth to prevent the crack from spreading or causing more pain.
Temporary Relief Measures
Until the crown is professionally repaired, you can take several steps for temporary relief from pain or inflammation:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, following the package directions.
- Rinse the mouth gently with warm salt water to keep the area clean and reduce localized gum irritation.
- Avoid consuming foods or beverages that are extremely hot or cold.
- Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that could worsen the damage.