Chipped A Crown? Here's What To Do

Dental crowns are artificial teeth used to restore a tooth to its full function and appearance. Crowns essentially act as tooth caps and are used in cases where the natural tooth has sustained significant damage, but extraction is not necessary.

These cases can include:

• Big cavities
• Tooth infections
• Tooth cracks and chips
• Fractured teeth, etc.

However, while dental crowns are strong, they can also chip or crack under certain conditions. Here’s what you need to do if this happens.

First, How Does a Dental Crown Chip?

Dental crowns can be made from a lot of different materials:

• Porcelain
• Ceramics
• Metals
• Resins, etc.

In any case, a crown is designed to withstand the pressure of chewing, allowing you to use your restored tooth just like you do your natural teeth. And just like natural teeth, a dental crown can chip, crack, or even break.

A common scenario where you may chip a crown is biting or chewing on hard foods such as nuts. While it won’t happen right after you get your crown, over time the prosthetic can weaken due to regular wear and tear, and increase the chances of it chipping.

But, it also depends on the amount of force you put into chewing. Other ways a crown may chip or crack can include:

• Persistent tooth grinding
• Suffering a blow to the mouth 
• Chewing on hard objects by habit, such as pen caps
• Using your teeth to open cans or packages, etc.

What to Do If You Have a Chipped Crown

If you notice your crown is chipped or otherwise damaged, there are 2 ways this could go.

For small chips or minor damages, Dr. Bryan Packard may be able to use dental bonding in order to restore the crown. This is a simple procedure that is done in just one sitting.

For bigger chips, however, the crown may need to be replaced. Dr. Packard will take an impression of your mouth and send it to the lab, where a new custom crown will be made for you.

But until you reach your appointment, here’s what to do if you notice your dental crown is damaged:

• Rinse the mouth with water to remove any food and debris
• Inspect the crown in a mirror to see the full extent of the damage
• Run your fingers on the edges to see how sharp they are and whether there’s a risk of cutting your tongue;
• Call us at 270-715-9214 for more individualized advice and to book an appointment with Dr. Packard
• If you’re experiencing pain, take OTC medication to manage it

Get Your Crown Fixed at Precision Dental in Bowling Green

Dealing with a damaged central crown? Dr. Packard is here to take a look and help you repair or replace it!

Book a dental crown consultation at Precision Dental online, or call us at 270-715-9214 for immediate dental health services.