What Happens When a Dental Crown Breaks?

A dental crown — sometimes called a dental cap — restores the appearance and function of your tooth. Crowns are used if you have a cavity that’s too big for a filling, if you had a root canal and need to protect your tooth, or if your tooth is discolored or misshapen. Crowns can also be used if you need an implant or a bridge.

At Chelsea Dental Aesthetics in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City, Dr. David Blaustein and our team of providers can create a custom crown for you no matter why you’re seeking one. From replacing a missing tooth, trying to relieve the pain of a cracked tooth, or simply trying to beautify your smile, we can suggest the right material and the right type of crown for you.

Crowns are strong and durable, but what if they’re damaged? Continue reading to find out what happens when a dental crown breaks.

Common reasons a dental crown breaks

Your teeth are strong and meant to withstand the pressures of eating, but sometimes teeth can crack or get chipped. Dental crowns are also strong, but like your natural teeth, they can be damaged as well.

Your teeth, including any tooth that has a crown, can break due to:

Falling and landing on your face
Getting hit in the face, for example, with a ball
Grinding your teeth (bruxism)
Normal wear-and-tear

While you might not be able to avoid getting in the face with a ball, there are other habits that you can avoid. Habits that can damage crowns include using your teeth to open packages or bottles, chewing on non-food items (like pens), or eating hard foods (like corn nuts).

What to do when a crown breaks

When your crown breaks, it’s a good idea to call us right away. While you wait for your appointment, you can reduce any discomfort by:

Placing dental wax over a sharp or jagged point to prevent soreness
Avoiding hot or cold foods (you might experience tooth sensitivity if your tooth pulp is exposed)
Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater
Placing gauze on your tooth if it’s bleeding

If you’re traveling, you can use dental cement (available at most drugstores) to protect your tooth until you’re able to see us.

How are broken crowns repaired?

When you arrive for your appointment, Dr. Blaustein examines your crown. Your treatment depends on the severity of the damage. For example, a small chip can be repaired with resin. On the other hand, if the crown has a large crack, you may benefit from a new crown.

Rest assured, Dr. Blaustein explains all of your options and helps you feel better.

Going forward, you can reduce your risk of damaging your crown by wearing a night guard (if bruxism caused the crack), avoiding bad oral habits, and using a mouthguard while playing sports.