Can Dental Crowns Break?

Dental crowns, designed for durability, can break under specific conditions, prompting concerns about their resilience. While they withstand daily chewing and biting, factors like teeth grinding or trauma can lead to crown breakage. Although not indestructible, understanding these vulnerabilities is crucial. To maintain crown integrity, it’s essential to avoid activities exerting excessive pressure, like biting hard foods. Regular dental check-ups aid in early detection of wear or damage. Following dentist-recommended maintenance practices ensures prolonged crown longevity, minimizing the risk of breakage. While the possibility of crown breakage exists, proactive care significantly mitigates such concerns for enduring oral health.

Can Dental Crowns Break?

Dental crowns are a common dental treatment used to restore damaged or decayed teeth. They are designed to be durable and long-lasting, but like any dental restoration, they can break under certain circumstances. Understanding the factors that can contribute to the breakage of dental crowns is important for maintaining good oral health and preventing potential complications. In this article, we will explore the causes of dental crown breakage and discuss ways to prevent it.

Causes of Dental Crown Breakage

Dental crowns can break due to various factors, including:

1. Trauma: Dental crowns can break if they are subjected to excessive force or trauma, such as biting down on hard objects or experiencing a blow to the face. This can cause the crown to chip, crack, or completely break.

2. Tooth Decay: If the tooth underneath the dental crown develops decay, it can weaken the structure and cause the crown to break. Regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene are essential for preventing tooth decay and maintaining the integrity of the crown.

3. Poor Fit: A poorly fitted dental crown can increase the risk of breakage. If the crown does not fit properly, it may experience excessive pressure during biting and chewing, leading to cracks or fractures.

Preventing Dental Crown Breakage

1. Avoid Hard Foods: To prevent dental crown breakage, it is important to avoid biting down on hard foods or objects that can exert excessive force on the crown. Foods like ice, hard candies, and popcorn kernels should be avoided.

2. Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining the health of the tooth underneath the crown. By preventing tooth decay and gum disease, you can reduce the risk of crown breakage.

3. Wear a Mouthguard: If you participate in contact sports or engage in activities that pose a risk of dental trauma, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your dental crowns from breakage.

4. Address Teeth Grinding: If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, known as bruxism, it can put excessive pressure on dental crowns and lead to breakage. Talk to your dentist about possible solutions, such as a nightguard, to protect your crowns.

5. Choose a Qualified Dentist: Ensuring that your dental crown is properly fitted and placed by a skilled and experienced dentist is essential for its longevity. Choose a dentist who specializes in restorative dentistry and has a good track record of successful crown placements.

In conclusion, while dental crowns are designed to be durable, they can break under certain circumstances. Trauma, tooth decay, and poor fit are common causes of crown breakage. However, by following preventive measures such as avoiding hard foods, practicing good oral hygiene, wearing a mouthguard, addressing teeth grinding, and choosing a qualified dentist, you can minimize the risk of dental crown breakage and maintain a healthy smile. Remember to schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor the condition of your dental crowns and address any potential issues promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do dental crowns sometimes break?

There are a few reasons why dental crowns may break. One possible cause is excessive force being applied to the crown, such as biting down on hard objects or using your teeth as tools. Another reason could be poor oral hygiene, which can lead to decay or gum disease that weakens the tooth supporting the crown. Additionally, a poorly fitting crown or a faulty restoration procedure can also increase the risk of breakage.

To prevent dental crowns from breaking, it is important to avoid habits that put excessive pressure on the crown, such as chewing on ice or opening packages with your teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly can also help prevent decay and gum disease that can weaken the tooth. Lastly, it is crucial to choose a skilled dentist who can ensure a proper fit of the crown and perform a successful restoration procedure.

Can dental crowns break while eating?

While dental crowns are designed to be durable and withstand the forces of regular chewing and biting, they can still break under certain circumstances. Eating hard or sticky foods, such as nuts, hard candies, or caramel, can put excessive pressure on the crown and increase the risk of breakage. It is important to use caution when eating these types of foods, especially if you have dental crowns.

To minimize the risk of crowns breaking while eating, it is advisable to avoid biting down directly on hard or sticky foods. Instead, try to cut them into smaller, more manageable pieces. Additionally, chewing on the opposite side of the mouth where the crown is located can help distribute the forces more evenly and reduce the chances of breakage.

Do dental crowns break more easily on front teeth or back teeth?

Dental crowns can break on both front teeth and back teeth, although the risk may vary depending on the location and function of the tooth. Back teeth, such as molars, are typically subjected to more intense chewing forces, which can increase the likelihood of crown breakage. However, front teeth are also susceptible to breakage, particularly if they are exposed to excessive force or trauma.

Regardless of the location of the dental crown, it is important to practice good oral hygiene and avoid habits that can put excessive pressure on the crown. Regular dental check-ups can also help identify any issues with the crown early on and prevent further damage or breakage.

What should I do if my dental crown breaks?

If your dental crown breaks, it is important to contact your dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to assess the situation and recommend the appropriate course of action. In some cases, the crown may be repairable, while in others, it may need to be completely replaced.

In the meantime, it is advisable to avoid chewing on the affected side of the mouth and to be cautious while eating to prevent further damage. If the broken crown has sharp edges that are causing discomfort or irritation, dental wax or temporary dental cement can be applied to provide temporary relief until you can see your dentist.

Can dental crowns be prevented from breaking?

While it is not always possible to prevent dental crowns from breaking entirely, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk. Avoiding habits that put excessive pressure on the crown, such as biting down on hard objects or using your teeth as tools, can help protect its integrity. Maintaining good oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing can also prevent decay and gum disease, which can weaken the tooth supporting the crown.

Choosing a skilled dentist who can ensure a proper fit of the crown and perform a successful restoration procedure is also crucial. Regular dental check-ups can help identify any issues with the crown early on and prevent further damage or breakage. By following these preventive measures, you can increase the longevity of your dental crowns and reduce the chances of them breaking.

How can porcelain crowns break ? Can you fix a chipped porcelain crown? – Dr. Manesh Chandra Sharma

Final Summary: Can Dental Crowns Break?