What To Do With A Chipped Dental Crown

Dental crowns are a type of tooth restoration used to treat a badly damaged tooth. Whether it was a large cavity, an infection, a chip, or a crack, a dental crown can help give you back a healthy and stunning smile.

With the right maintenance, dental crowns can last a long time. Some patients can go as long as 10-15 years before they need their crown replaced. However, even with the right care, accidents can still happen.

If you’ve recently noticed your crown is chipped, keep on reading this short post to find out exactly what you need to do to fix it.

Why Do Crowns Chips or Crack?

Dental crowns are made from strong materials that can last a long time:

• Porcelain
• Metals
• Zirconia, etc.

As a result, with a dental crown on, you won’t have any issues chewing your foods like you would with your natural teeth.

However, crowns are not indestructible. They are still subject to regular wear and tear, meaning that over time, the material can weaken to the point where it can easily chip or crack.

But, crowns can also get damaged long before they reach the end of their lifespan. For example, they can be damaged because of:

• An accident or direct blow to the mouth
• Consistent tooth-grind, which wears down the crown 
• Biting on something very hard, etc.

What to Do If Your Crown Is Chipped, Cracked, or Otherwise Damaged

A damaged crown is usually not a cause for alarm. As long as you’re not experiencing any pain or notice bleeding, you can see Dr. Evan Matthysse or Dr. John Chelkowski for a regular appointment.

If you notice your crown is chipped, follow these steps:

• Assess the situation - Take a look at the crown and remove any bits that might break off;

• Book an appointment - Contact us to book a consultation to get the crown fixed. If you are experiencing pain or irritation, call us at (512) 444-1133 for emergency dental care;

• Wait for the appointment - Until you see the dentist, you should chew your food on the other side of the mouth to avoid applying even more pressure on the damaged crown. Continue to brush your teeth and care for your oral health, and if you notice any changes, contact us right away;

• Get your crown fixed - Minor chips and cracks might be fixed quickly with some dental bonding. However, if the damage is more severe, then you will likely need to have the crown replaced.

Dealing with a Damaged Crown in Austin? We Can Help

Dr. Evan Matthysse or Dr. John Chelkowski can help you replace your dental crown swiftly and restore your oral health.

Book a dental crown consultation at South Austin Dental Associates online and stop by for a visit.

If you are dealing with an emergency oral health situation, call us at (512) 444-1133 right away.