My Dental Crown Cracked

For the past 12 years, I’ve had porcelain crowns on my front teeth. I’m wearing braces at age 42, and one of the crowns I knew was somewhat defective. It has a horizontal fracture near the bottom that is getting more noticeable. I am concerned that the crown will break. Is it urgent to get it fixed, or can it wait? I’m hoping that it won’t prolong my ortho treatment. Thanks. Viet from San Diego

Viet,

The fracture will likely eventually break, so it’s wise to get the crown replaced before it becomes an emergency. A broken crown will leave your tooth unprotected and susceptible to breaking.

Cracks or Craze Lines in Crowns

Small cracks or craze lines in teeth or ceramic crowns are not usually a significant concern. However, if you can see the crack, it is progressing. A cosmetic dentist will examine your teeth and crowns and decide if only the cracked one—or all your crowns—require replacement.

If only one crown is replaced, expert color-matching is needed for the existing crowns and your natural teeth. An advanced cosmetic who understands how to manipulate ceramic crowns to match your natural tooth shade and clarity won’t unnecessarily recommend replacing all your crowns. Be cautious with a dentist who tells you that replacing all your crowns is the only way to achieve a match. It means that the dentist doesn’t know how to achieve a match.

What Happens If a Crown Breaks While You’re Wearing Braces?

If your crown breaks and you’re in the middle of orthodontic treatment, your treatment will be somewhat interrupted while you get new crowns. Generally, it takes two visits to get new crowns.

• First visit – Your dentist will prepare your tooth and take digital impressions for a custom crown.
• Waiting period – Your dentist will send the impressions and instructions to a dental ceramist to make a custom crown. It takes about two weeks.
• Second visit – You will return to the office for your dentist to cement the crown to your tooth.

The delay should not significantly lengthen your treatment. orthodontist how getting new crowns will affect your treatment.

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, sponsors this post.

Why Do My New Dental Crowns Cause Sensitivity and Mouth Sores?

My new dental crowns have caused more oral problems that make me regret replacing my old crowns. I have teeth sensitivity, excess saliva, mouth sores, bitter taste, bad breath, and chapped lips. My dentist has offered to readjust my bite, but that’s not my complaint. Will I need new crowns? – Thanks. TJ from Boston

TJ,

We understand your concerns and frustration.

What Symptoms Can You Expect with New Dental Crowns?

Well-crafted, properly placed dental crowns should not create lingering symptoms. Although you may feel temporary tooth sensitivity after a procedure, your crowns should not be noticeable—without discomfort or undesirable oral complications.

Your symptoms require a thorough assessment to determine whether they relate to your new dental crowns or underlying medical conditions. A professional evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management.

Below are considerations for your symptoms:

Oral sores

Stress can be a contributing factor, but a dermatological evaluation may be required to rule out inflammatory skin conditions.

Bitter taste and bad breath

• Bacteria and salivary buildup m
• Systemic factors such as medications, supplements, respiratory infections, and GERD should also be investigated

Teeth sensitivity

• Post-operative sensitivity following crown preparation is typical.
• Prolonged sensitivity beyond eight weeks necessitates a dental review.

Diligent oral hygiene, including gums, teeth, and tongue, can minimize bitter taste and halitosis. However, we recommend a second opinion and a comprehensive dental examination for multiple oral tissue concerns. A skilled cosmetic dentist can determine whether crown adjustments or new crowns will resolve your symptoms.

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist, sponsors this post. Find out how he strives to provide some of the best dentistry in Rocky Hill.