Hairline Crack in Porcelain Crown: Can it be Repaired?

Porcelain crowns are an excellent option for people who want to improve the appearance of their natural teeth that have been cracked, fractured, or decaying but do not have big fillings or root canals. When fillings or other types of restorations are unable to restore a tooth, porcelain crowns are an excellent option.

To restore both beauty and function, a dental crown is a prosthetic cap placed over a broken tooth. Due to their translucent color and appearance, porcelain crowns are one of the most aesthetically beautiful forms of dental crowns. Porcelain crowns are most typically used to restore front teeth because of their translucent hue.

But what if a porcelain crown cracks? Can it still be repaired? It is possible that even if you take proper care of your crown, it will be damaged. Damaged crowns are an issue. They can make you uncomfortable, and in some instances, they can be harmful to your well-being.

What Causes A Porcelain Crown To Crack?

Your crown, like a normal tooth, is sturdy but not indestructible. Biting down on something too firm, such as unpopped popcorn kernels or an ice cube, could have resulted in a painful injury. The crown of your teeth can shatter if you grind or clench your teeth.

• Caries: Damage to the enamel underlying a crown can cause the crown to come loose or fall off the tooth.
• Malocclusion: When you eat, you exert a lot of pressure on your jaw. A crown might be damaged if there is a discrepancy in your bite. In other words, the crown of your teeth can be fractured, chipped, or shifted if you have an incorrect bite.
• Poor Dental Habits: To keep your dental crown in good condition, you must take adequate care of it. Refrain from chewing on ice cubes or use your teeth to open packages. The enamel around your crown can be compromised if you don’t brush, floss, and rinse properly, which increases your risk of decay, gum disease, and other problems.
• Teeth Grinding: As a result of tension, misalignment, or other dental issues, some people have a condition known as bruxism. Patients who clench and grind their teeth exert a lot of pressure on their crowns, leading to crown damage. Ask your dentist about wearing a mouthguard while you sleep to protect your teeth and crown from damage caused by bruxism.
• Injury: A fall or a firm knock may cause severe damage to your crown, just like it does to your teeth.

How Damaged Is Your Dental Crown?

Even if it seems inconsequential, the type of damage to your crown might impact whether or not it needs to be repaired. A damaged crown may also indicate that other teeth were damaged during the same incident.

• Chipped: One or more pieces of the crown have fallen off.
• Hairline Fracture: You may not notice this until you visit your dentist as it is an extremely thin crack, and the dentist can repair it easily.
• Cracked: If a crown has a large vertical or horizontal crack, the damage should be obvious to the naked eye.
• Broken: The crown is shattered and is no longer functioning.

How Do You Treat A Cracked Crown?

The good news is that, despite its unsightliness and discomfort, a fractured dental crown is rarely a dental emergency. When the pulp of the tooth is exposed, it is normal for the tooth to become sensitive. It’s not necessary to be alarmed, however. However, if a jagged edge harms your tongue or gums, you should immediately take action. If left unchecked, it may cause harm.

There are a variety of ways to fix a cracked crown, including:

• Recementing
• Replacing
• Bonding
• Replacing
• Extracting the tooth

However, if you won’t be able to meet the dentist yet, it is possible to alleviate the problem until your schedule if your crown is cracked, broken, or loose through the following:

• Examine. Find out whether any components are missing or displaced from the crown. Prevent swallowing the crown if it’s loose enough to be yanked off with your fingers.
• Look at the rest of the tooth after the crown has come out.
• An over-the-counter pain reliever might be helpful for minor aches and pains. As soon as you notice any bleeding or increased sensitivity, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.

Hairline Crack in Porcelain Crown Frequently Asked Questions

Can a cracked crown get infected?

Serious complications might emerge when a tooth’s cap is chipped, loosened, or falls out of place. If the integrity of a dental crown is damaged in any way, bacteria can accumulate beneath the crown, increasing the risk of deterioration and a second pulp infection.

What happens when a tooth crown cracks? 

A compromised tooth is the most serious result of a broken or missing crown. This can raise the chance of a weak tooth shattering or of the natural tooth being infected. Because the tooth’s roots are more exposed when the crown is broken or missing, you may have increased sensitivity to hot and cold conditions.

Call Smile Fort Wayne To Learn More About Hairline Crack in Porcelain Crown

If you are experiencing a hairline crack in your porcelain crown, do not worry. There is a good chance that the crack can be repaired by your most trusted dentist. To find out more about the repair process and to schedule an appointment, please call Smile Fort Wayne today. We would be happy to help you get your smile back on track.