By Gentle Touch Dentistry Richardson
Dental crowns are a great way to protect and strengthen damaged teeth, but unfortunately, they can also be susceptible to breaking. When this happens, you must seek advice from your dentist immediately to get the best treatment and advice for your situation. This article will discuss what causes dental crowns to break, what you should do if it occurs, and provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
What Causes Dental Crowns To Break?
Poor Dental Hygiene
One of the leading causes of dental crowns breaking is poor dental hygiene. It can include not brushing and flossing regularly or not attending regular checkups with your dentist. Maintaining good oral hygiene can help prevent your dental crown from breaking, as it will be much stronger and withstand any damage.
Dental Decay
Dental decay is another common cause of dental crowns breaking. If the tooth has been weakened by decay, it can become more prone to cracking or fracturing due to the extra strain placed on it. Therefore, if you have a dental crown and experience any signs of decay, such as pain or sensitivity, it is crucial to seek advice from your dentist as soon as possible.
Dental Trauma
Dental trauma can also cause dental crowns to break. It can include physical contact, such as a blow to the mouth or chewing on hard foods, which can strain the tooth and lead to its fracturing. If you experience any dental trauma, you must visit your dentist for further advice and treatment.
What To Do If Your Dental Crowns Break?
Seek Advice From Your Dentist Immediately
If you experience any signs of your dental crown breaking, you must seek advice from your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will be able to assess the damage and advise you on the best course of action, which may include replacing the crown or fixing it in place with a special dental cement.
Avoid Any Dental Work Until Your Dental Crown Is Replaced
You must avoid other dental work until your crown has been replaced or repaired. Any additional strain placed on the tooth could cause further damage, making it more difficult for your dentist to treat. Therefore, you must wait until your dental crown has been fixed before undergoing other dental treatments.
Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups
It is also important that you schedule regular dental checkups with your dentist. It will allow them to identify any potential problems with your dental crowns or other teeth and provide advice on preventing further damage. Dental checkups are also essential for maintaining good oral health, so it is crucial that you attend them regularly.
The Final Thought
Dental crowns can be a great way to protect and strengthen damaged teeth, but unfortunately, they can sometimes break. By understanding the causes of this and following the steps outlined in this article, you can help to prevent your dental crowns from breaking and maintain good oral health.
1. How do I know if my dental crown has broken?
Dental crowns typically break in two ways – either the crown itself will start to crack and chip, or the tooth underneath it may become painful or sensitive. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must seek advice from your dentist as soon as possible.
2. How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns typically last between 5-15 years, depending on how well they are cared for. Good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing regularly and attending regular check-ups with your dentist can help extend the life of your dental crowns.
3. Can I eat hard foods with a dental crown?
Eating hard foods with a dental crown is not recommended as this can place extra strain on the tooth and cause it to fracture or break. Therefore, avoiding hard food is best until your dental crown has been replaced.
